City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, February 11, 2015) – The City’s Neighborhood and Business Development Commissioner Del Smith and City Councilmember Elaine Spaull joined founder Jen Hackett and community members for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Camp Puzzle Peace Family Autism Center, located at 1150 University Ave., Suite 8.
Camp Puzzle Peace is a grassroots, non-profit organization created by a collaboration of educators and parents with a mission to provide traditional family experiences for families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. The new Family Autism Center provides families and school age children with skill-building opportunities that promote independence, active lifestyles, networking and expanded opportunities to participate in the community.
The staff at Camp Puzzle Peace brings a combined experience of more than 80 years. The staff includes special education teachers, adaptive physical education teachers, a school psychologist, a speech pathologist, an occupational therapist and a music therapist.
Ms. Hackett hopes to expand programs for preschoolers, young adults and adults in the future. Camp Puzzle Peace works in collaboration with other agencies such as Managing Autism Together Today and Habitats for Hope.
The Family Autism Center occupies 2,300 square feet and has five classrooms, a large instructional area, a sensory room and a comfortable lounge for parent. The center was made possible in part through grants from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation as well as Buckingham Properties and the Glazer family.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.