Thank you to everyone who has participated in our many events!! Your support enables us to continue to offer the valuable life enrichment opportunities and programs that we provide to those on the autism spectrum free of charge. Your generosity is essential for us to continue this benefit, as the cost for caring for a loved one having autism can be substantial, and we never want cost to be an obstacle when a family is deciding whether to participate in a program that could benefit their loved one with autism..

Since its inception, Autism Cares Foundation has focused on providing life enriching opportunities that enable families to participate together in various activities.  We have developed a series of events, activities and programs spanning various age groups in an attempt to bring some type of typicality to what can be a challenging and somewhat unpredictable household situation.  This year, through your support, we will have delivered 200 such outings, spanning a wide range of interests and needs.

These opportunities have become viewed as essential opportunities within the autism community and we are grateful that we are able to fulfill this need.  Yet, there is an even greater need.  As today’s children grow older and turn in adults, the need for adult life skill and vocational training services becomes more pronounced.  And as parents and care-takers age, the need for respite services, permanent care and permanent residency become critical.

Autism Cares Foundation future plans call for developing our Autism Center of Excellence and Life Enrichment Community.  There is a tremendous need for a facility such as this as waiting lists at existing facilities extend for many years, with no guarantee of future placement.  The Autism population in growing exponentially each year and presently there is no master plan for accommodating this expansive population.

At Autism Cares Foundation, we have been diligently working to address this issue and have met with Congressional and State leadership to solicit their input and support as well.  We are well into the process of developing our strategic plan to determine how and where the Autism Center of Excellence will be developed.  The issue of permanent care for this population group is no small task and will require the support of government, business, friends, family members and everyone else who is touched by this cause or who has a loved one on the autism spectrum.

While the task is daunting, the need is even greater.

We encourage your support and your assistance in turning this much needed facility, the Autism Center of Excellence, from a vision to reality.  No one can do this alone, every bit of support is essential, and we need to move swiftly.  The Autism Tsunami is already upon us, the action that we take in addressing this epidemic will define us and you are a key piece in this massive puzzle.  Together we can rally behind our plan and build the dream of a lifetime that will last for a lifetime and beyond for those needing his facility and our help.

So please contribute what you can;

Financial support – donations, individual fundraising efforts, etc. Volunteerism – assist in hosting our various activities

Talent – support us through your areas of expertise

And any other support that you think may bring us closer to our goals.

Everyone makes a difference,

            The difference is the difference you choose to make.

Sincerely,

Linda & Frank Kuepper

Co-Founders Autism Cares Foundation

And our Board of Directors

Marlene de la Cruz, Frank Kuepper, Linda Kuepper, Christine Paul, Steve Rusinko, Fred Sciascia

Marlene de la Cruz is global president of Adelphi Research, an Omnicom Group pharmaceutical marketing research firm based in Doylestown, PA and Manchester, UK. Marlene has over 25 years of marketing management and sales experience in the pharmaceutical and financial services industries. Marlene obtained her B.A. in Spanish and International Studies and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from LaSalle University. Marlene was a member of the Bucks County Autism Support Coalition Board for three years and co-chaired the BCASC’s annual conference.  She lives in Holland, PA with her two wonderful children, Amanda and Alex, and husband of 28 years, Lee.  Her motivation for her autism advocacy work is her 17 year old son, Alex, and ensuring that he has the opportunities we all deserve. Marlene also serves on the Delaware Valley University Board of Trustees.

Linda Kuepper is co-founder and CEO of the Board of Directors of Autism Cares Foundation.  In this role, she facilitates bringing issues to the Board of Directors for resolution on a wide range of issues.  She is one of the people tasked with charting the future growth and vision for Autism Cares Foundation, a role that she is well suited for.  Linda is also the mother of a child with autism giving her unique insights into the needs of people with autism and the issues and challenges they face such as education, life skills development, job skills needs, respite needs and permanent residency especially after today’s care providers are no longer able to do so.  Prior to Autism Cares Foundation, Linda served as an administrative assistant to various CEO’s of a fortune 500 company.

Frank Kuepper is co-founder and President of the Board of Directors of Autism Cares Foundation.  In this capacity Frank is charged with many aspects of daily operations and the strategic planning initiatives of the foundation.  Frank began the Foundation as a means of providing life enriching activities and opportunities for those on the autism spectrum.  Being the father of a child with autism, he understands the wants and needs that parents have for their loved one with autism and is dedicated to providing additional opportunities and choices to those on the spectrum.  Frank is the Director Indirect Procurement for Brightview.  Prior to joining Brightview, Frank held various positions at David’s Bridal and Kay-Bee Toys including Director of Procurement, Purchasing Director, Director of Store Operations, and Director of Human Resource Development.

Christine Paul serves on the Board of Directors and is the Vice President & Treasurer for Autism Cares Foundation.   Christine is the former President and Chief Executive Office of Petroleum Recycling Corporation providing alternative fuel to industrial users.  The operating plant is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA., and is certified as a Disadvantaged Woman Owned Business Enterprise (DWBE) in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.  Christine has been in the Oil Recycling industry for over 30 years and works with federal and multi-state environmental agencies on permitting for the collection, transporting, processing and distribution of On-Spec Used Oil Fuel.  She is the former owner/operator and was responsible for acquiring environmental and liability insurances, equipment financing and overseeing all aspects of daily operations of the business.  Christine’s operations have provided environmental services under a contract with the US Coast Guard for twelve consecutive years and has worked with major corporations such as Sunoco Logistics on the environmental impact of plant closures.

Steve Rusinko serves on the Board of Directors of Autism Cares Foundation and is the Chief Financial Officer of Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Eastern Regional Medical Center in Philadelphia.  He joined the hospital in 2007 and oversees several departments including finance, patient financial advocacy, first connections, health information management, cancer registry, physician coding, materials management, construction and plant operations.  Steve’s major accomplishments at CTCA include developing the Patient Financial Advocacy program which assists patients in overcoming financial and insurance barriers to treatment options.  With over 30 years in healthcare financial management, Steve held financial positions at other healthcare institutions, most recently as a Regional Financial Manager at Universal Health Services, Inc. and Chief Financial Officer at local hospitals.  He is a member of several professional organizations and also serves on the board of directors for Community Education Centers.  Steve received his BS degree in finance from Spring Garden College in Philadelphia and his MBA in Healthcare Management from Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania.

Fred Sciascia serves on the Board of Directors of Autism Cares Foundation and is a Financial Advisor with Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management.  www.fa.ml.com/sciascia

Autism Cares Foundation

Jacqui M. Makowski is the Managing Director for Autism Cares Foundation. In her role, Jacqui is responsible for continuing the growth of the foundation’s activities, and for developing the strategic imperatives to achieve our present and future plans. Jacqui brings more than 25 years of experience and skill in social services and education, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English/Communications from Cabrini University. Her experience includes more than 25 years in fundraising, public relations, and organizational operations. Jacqui and her husband Tom have a son Ryan, who is on the autism spectrum. They believe strongly in providing opportunities for interaction and socialization for their son, as well as all children on the spectrum. Jacqui and Tom enjoy learning from other parents in the community who share their journey.

Diana Dudash is the Event and Fundraising Coordinator for Autism Cares Foundation.  Prior to coming on board with ACF, Diana’s career was based in Hospitality and Event Planning in New York City.  Volunteer work has always been important to her as well.  Diana has supported organizations like “Literacy Corps of Ramapo College”, “North Brunswick Abilities Council” and the “Inner-City Scholarship Fund”.  Diana looks forward to introducing new programs for ACF as well as some fun and beneficial fundraising opportunities!  “Creating experiences for others has always been a passion of mine” said Diana. “Seeing the look of excitement or gratitude on a participant’s face inspires me everyday.”  Diana and her husband, Josh, enjoy taking their daughter, Arden, and their Viszla, Hanna, to local parks for hiking in beautiful Bucks County.

Adult Services Division

Jennifer Semeraro is the CEO of our Adult Services Division. Jennifer received her Bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University in 2007, and a Masters Degree from Holy Family University in 2010.  Furthering her education, Jennifer completed her Post Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arcadia University. Since 2007, Jennifer has worked in community behavioral health in Bucks and Philadelphia Counties.  She worked as an Adult Case Manager, assisting adults with mental health diagnoses to locate resources and navigate daily living needs.  She also worked for a local Bucks County Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services agency as a Behavioral Specialist Consultant, and then as their Site Director from 2013 until 2017.  Over the last several years, Jennifer has been awarded various awards and recognition from Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives for her work with local communities, improving and expanding the access to behavioral health services and removing stigma surrounding behavioral and mental health needs. Her passion lies in helping families with special needs children, adolescents, and adults gain access to and continued knowledge about services and resources in their communities.

George Dickerson is our Adult Services Division Program Specialist. George has been working with individuals with various disabilities and behavioral challenges for the past 20 years.  He has worked with over 3000 men, women and children and enjoys the fact that he was able to make a difference in their lives.  What he brings to ACF is knowledge of behavioral challenges, experience  with company culture and a positive attitude.