Page 1 - 349932 Kelberman Donor Newsletter June 2024 BLANK

Summer 2024 Issue

caring for our community

Kelberman Donor Newsletter

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Autism Awareness and Advocacy
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During Autism Acceptance Month, Kelberman partnered in a Listen and Learn event

hosted by Better Together at Redeemer Church in Utica. Part one of the event focused

on advocacy and included an informative panel discussion about supports and services

for autism and the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Topics

discussed included dental services, medical services, behavioral and mental health
services and educational and provider services and supports. Part two of the event

concentrated on training for first responders and medical professionals. Kelberman’s

Director of Community Relations, Bethany Wendt and Licensed Behavior Analyst,
Amanda Cowan provided specialized training to help yield successful outcomes

when interacting with people with autism and other intellectual and developmental

disabilities. Over 200 parents, first responders, law enforcement agencies, provider

agencies, medical providers and care coordination organizations attended this event.

Donor Spotlight -The Humpf Family Gives Back
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The Humpf family has been at the heart of Kelberman’s impact in our community for over a decade. Since Wyatt was

diagnosed with autism in 2008, Cooper Humpf, Wyatt’s brother, and his family felt called to give back to an organization that
helped their brother and son in so many ways. “My parents sought to help
others in the community that were having similar experiences,” said Cooper.

“They became involved with Kelberman because it was a local organization

that focused on autism services and supporting those who needed it most.

As a family, we were determined to raise awareness and acceptance.”
Beginning in 2009, the Humpf family began a walk event in Holland Patent
and then a bowling event to raise funds to support local families receiving

Kelberman services. During Covid, the bowling event transitioned to a bottle

and can drive and continues to be extremely successful. This year, the event

raised over $9,000 to benefit support and services at Kelberman! A special thank you to Humpf family friend Eileen
McCann, who has helped since the beginning to make the bottle and can drive such a success.

The Humpf family impact has only strengthened over time, coming full circle this spring. According to Cooper, recently

Albany Law School graduate who has taken a position with a local firm as a lawyer advocating for families with disabilities,

“I have gained invaluable experience through our connection with Kelberman. Indirectly, Kelberman allowed me to develop

a part of my professional identity that is loud and proud – my dedication to public service. I am more than ready to apply

my dedication to helping others in the legal field.” Cooper’s dedication to public service has also led him to volunteer his

time and talents at Kelberman as an incoming board of directors member. Cooper reflects, “In terms of Wyatt’s success, I

say with pride that he now attends Syracuse University through Inclusive U. He also has paid summer employment through

the support of Kelberman. Watching his progress from a young boy to the man he is today has been inspiring.” Thank you

to Cooper, Eileen McCann and the entire Humpf family for being an inspiration to Kelberman and to our entire community! 1