Free Private Swim Event for Families with Autistic Children Hosted by Friends of Jacob Foundation

TROY, MI, February 09, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Friends of Jacob Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the greater Metro Detroit area, is hosting a private swim event specifically for families with children on the Autism spectrum Saturday February 19th from 8 PM to 10 PM at the Macomb Township Recreation Center. This free event aims to give many deserving families an enjoyable evening of water activities through the private use of a modern indoor water park. All families with children on the Autism spectrum are welcome and admission is free.

The Macomb Township Recreation Center features two pools with water slide, a lazy river, wadding pool, playscape with water fountains and buckets, as well as other water features. The water park area includes tables and chairs, family style changing rooms, lockers, and lifeguards on duty. It is located off of Broughton Road south of 25 Mile Road in Macomb, MI and the event begins at 8 PM after the facility closes to the general public.

Over the past 6 months, the Friends of Jacob Foundation has granted over $21,000 total to 11 different families mainly in the Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties of Southeast Michigan. Grants were provided to cover the cost of various forms of speech, social, and occupational therapy as well as various types of therapeutic equipment. Some of the families received Apple iPads with protective cases and pre-loaded with communication applications. Although not yet clinically proven, there has been a great deal of positive feedback regarding the amazing progress many Autistic children have made using this new touchpad technology.

The Friends of Jacob Foundation was formed in the fall of 2008 by Keith Malec, parent of a 9 year old Autistic boy whom he and wife Jodi adopted at birth. Their son, Jacob, is the inspiration behind the Foundation while their first-hand experiences fuel the desire to help other families facing similar challenges. Focused on strengthening the individual family unit and special needs community as a whole, the Friends of Jacob Foundation will help build a network of support and provide assistance to families in need who may feel confused, isolated, and alienated. Throughout the year, the Friends of Jacob Foundation hosts a variety of fundraising events to raise the money needed to help local families who are struggling with the extra financial and emotional strain associated with raising a child with Autism. To learn more or inquire about volunteering/sponsorship opportunities, please visit: http://www.FriendsofJacob.org.

The Friends of Jacob Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the greater Metro Detroit area helping families with Autistic and other special needs children. For further information, please visit http://www.FriendsofJacob.org or call 586-596-9197.