Page 1 - 352918 Donor Newsletter Nov 2024 v4_FIXED flipbook

Fall 2024 Issue

caring for our community

Kelberman Donor Newsletter

Advocacy in Action: Kelberman Partners
ion: Kelberman P
ar
ners

Advocac
t
y in Act
w
neida Count
with Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
iff’s O
ith O
y Sher
ffice
Community partnerships are absolutely vital to our mission at Kelberman! Our

incredible businesses, organizations, donors, and volunteers form the backbone
of everything we do. With their support, we’re empowered to engage with

the community, spreading advocacy and promoting acceptance in meaningful

ways. This unique and essential police training is the first of its kind in Oneida

County. Together, thanks to your gifts, Kelberman is making a lasting impact in

our community, moving the needle of advocacy, education and progress forward.

Kelberman is proud to partner with the Oneida County Sheriff ’s Department.

Recognizing the importance of positive interactions between individuals

diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and law enforcement,
the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department made the commitment to ensuring that all recruits are equipped with

knowledge and tools that prepare them for a diverse range of interactions within the community. Kelberman staff was

honored to be given the opportunity to educate the Mohawk Valley Police Academy class of 2024 on critical aspects

of autism and best practices to ensure safe and dignified outcomes. Participants received training on key concepts

related to autism, including statistics, the significance of early intervention and the importance of inclusive practices.

The emphasis was placed on the importance of autism awareness, acceptance, advocacy, and alliance. It highlighted what

it means for the community when Kelberman and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office collaborate towards their aligned,

altruistic goals. Bethany Wendt, Kelberman Director of Community Relations and Amanda Cowan, Kelberman Senior

Licensed Behavior Analyst, along with parent and advocate Kathy Caruso of Better Together all led the training.
Part of the Kelberman mission focuses on promoting inclusivity and understanding within the community. Providing

this uniquely tailored training, increases awareness and acceptance of autism and other intellectual and developmental
disabilities and moves the Kelberman mission forward in monumental ways. The alliance created between Kelberman and

the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department demonstrates the power of connectedness, unity and understanding. Kelberman

thanks the Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol for his dedication to creating opportunities for collaboration and growth,

as well as all law enforcement agencies for their service. It is together, that we can build a community, that fosters

understanding, promotes inclusivity and encourages positive outcomes for all.

Kelberman offers this training to businesses, organizations, key leadership staff and boards of directors and can cater it to

what is best for the organization or business. For more information about Kelberman training programs, please contact

Bethany Wendt at bethany.wendt@kelbermancenter.org.