Autism Treatment Center

Press Releases from ATC – Dallas

Governor Perry Reappoints Advocate to Autism Council – May 27, 2009

Roundup for Autism Announces Art Unveiling – April 10, 2009

Autism Treatment Center Announces Grant Reward From Opus Foundation – December 9, 2008

Autism Treatment Center Makes Business Presentation, Receives Award – September 10, 2008

20th Annual Roundup for Autism – “The Spirit of the West” – August 8, 2008

Contact: Heather H. Russell
Development Director,
Autism Treatment Center
10503 Metric Drive
Dallas, Texas 75243
Tel: (214) 644-2076

For Immediate Release
Governor Perry Reappoints Advocate to Autism Council
May 27, 2009

Anna Penn Hundley Re-appointed by Governor Perry to Texas Autism Council

May 27, 2009 - Anna Penn Hundley was recently re-appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, a commission of seven public members that was established by legislation in 1987. The Council makes recommendations to the various state agencies providing services to persons with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, and advises the legislature about legislation needed to develop and maintain quality intervention and treatment services.

Appointed in 2005, Ms. Hundley is serving her fourth year on the Council and is the current Vice Chair. Ms. Hundley has been employed as Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center since 1982, a non-profit organization founded in 1979 that provides residential, educational, therapeutic, and diagnostic services for children and adults with autism and other related developmental disorders in the Dallas and San Antonio areas. She also currently serves as National Association of Residential Providers of Adults with Autism (NARPAA), a national organization of service providers dedicated to bringing advocacy and uniformity to autism services for special-needs adults.

Ms. Hundley holds a Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of New Orleans and Graduate Certification in Administration and Management from Texas Women’s University. Ms. Hundley has been recognized nationally and internationally for her nonprofit management and leadership skills.

“I appreciate the confidence and trust of Governor Perry and the Texas Senate to this important council. Our first duty is to provide timely and accurate information to our elected legislators to assist them in developing policy that addresses the needs of persons of all ages with autism and other developmental disorders. Due to the increasing rates of diagnosis in autism, there is a call for increased resources and I feel our leaders will meet this challenge of assisting thousands of children and adults with the services they need to bring about a better quality of life.”

About the Agency- The Autism Treatment Center was founded in Dallas, Texas in 1976 to provide services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Services expanded to San Antonio two years later. In 1992, the Dallas program expanded services to include individuals who are deaf-blind and multi-handicapped. ATC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The agency’s mission is “to assist people with autism and related disorders throughout their lives as they learn, play, work and live in the community. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org and www.roundupforautism.com.

Contact: Heather H. Russell
Development Director,
Autism Treatment Center
10503 Metric Drive
Dallas, Texas 75243
Tel: (214) 644-2076

For Immediate Release
April 10, 2009

Who: Roundup for Autism, benefitting the Autism Treatment Center (ATC)
What: Art Unveiling at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
When: Thursday, April 16, 2009

Roundup for Autism Announces Art Unveiling for 21st Annual Event

April 10, 2009 - The Fundraising Committee for Roundup for Autism, one of Texas’ largest autism related fundraisers, announced the Art Unveiling for the 21st annual event to benefit the Autism Treatment Center, a Dallas non-profit organization that provides educational, vocational, and residential services for children and adults with autism and other related disorders. The Art Unveiling will take place Thursday, April 16, 2009 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center from 6:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

In addition, Roundup for Autism is extremely pleased to announce the 2009 Honorary Chairmen for the event to be held September 18-19, 2009: Aaltje and Jaap van Zweden. The van Zwedens have come to the DFW Metoplex from Amsterdam for Jaap to fulfill the role of Music Director of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Roundup for Autism welcomes the van Zwedens and their participation as they have a son with autism and understand the need of raising funds and awareness.

The Art Unveiling will showcase the latest artistic creation of Fort Worth artist Mindy Hallum. Ms. Hallum has availed her artistic talents to the Roundup for Autismfor 15 years by creating the image that will serve as the event’s visual representation. Each year, the original artwork created by Ms. Hallum is auctioned at the event’s culmination, the Pegasus Ball, and donated to the Autism Treatment Center to grace the hallways and greet guests of the agency.

Ms. Hallum’s educational background includes the Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C. and Leeds Polytechnic University in Yorkshire, England. Hallum is best known for her use of light, color, and texture to convey a special feeling or experience through her artwork.

In the spirit of our Great Western Heritage, and by energizing and engaging community volunteers to give their time and talents, Roundup for Autism will offer ATC additional resources to expand services to those in need of our comprehensive programs and curriculum. Proceeds from last year’s event were used to enhance and expand core programs and update and renovate the twenty (20) group homes ATC owns and operates.

Speaking of the Autism Treatment Center, Hallum stated, “I am honored to support an organization which, for more than three decades, has exhibited a steadfast commitment of service to our community and to families with special needs. Through my artistic endeavors, I strive to create a piece that brings together my passion for western life, the pioneering spirit of Roundup, and the gentle spirits of the children of ATC. They are the true inspiration behind my artwork, this wonderful event, and this wonderful organization.”

Contact: Heather H. Russell
Development Director,
Autism Treatment Center
10503 Metric Drive
Dallas, Texas 75243
Tel: (214) 644-2076

For Immediate Release
December 9, 2008

What: Autism Treatment Center announces Opus Foundation grant
When: December 9, 2008
Why: To add 4,000 additional square feet to existing facility
How: Visit www.atcoftexas.org or call (972) 644-0276 x 103

Autism Treatment Center Announces Grant Reward From Opus Foundation

The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) is pleased to announce a grant from the Opus Foundation in the amount of $40,000. ATC is a nationally and internationally recognized non-profit organization with over 30 years of experience serving children and adults with autism in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and surrounding states. ATC was invited to submit a proposal to the Opus Foundation by Scott DePauw, a Project Manager with Opus West, located in Addison, Texas. The Opus Foundation, founded in 1953, has regularly committed 10 percent of its profits to community organizations and other charitable causes.
Funds rewarded through the grant request will provide support to add approximately 4,000 square feet to ATC’s existing facility on Metric Drive in Dallas, Texas. ATC’s expansion is a direct response to the increase in the number of persons affected with autism. New space will provide for additional classrooms, work-training areas, and related employment opportunities to the children and adults we serve.

Anna Hundley, Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center, said, “We are grateful to the Opus Foundation and thank them for their generous award. Because of this support, the Autism Treatment Center will be better equipped to manage the additional needs of the community brought on by the unfortunate influx in the rate of autism. As we increase resources and services, it is vital that we supply the additional bricks and mortar to provide those opportunities. This grant allows us to do just that.”

About the Agency- The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) was founded in Dallas, Texas in 1976 to provide services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Services expanded to San Antonio two years later. In 1992, the Dallas program expanded services to include individuals who are deaf-blind and multi-handicapped. ATC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The agency’s mission is “to assist people with autism and related disorders throughout their lives as they learn, play, work and live in the community. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org.

Contact: Heather H. Russell
Development Director,
Autism Treatment Center
10503 Metric Drive
Dallas, Texas 75243
Tel: (214) 644-2076

For Immediate Release
September 10, 2008

Autism Treatment Center Makes Business Presentation,
Receives Award

The Autism Treatment Center, a nationally and internationally recognized non-profit with over 30 years of experience serving children and adults with autism in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and surrounding states, presented a business plan to members of the Community Wealth Ventures as part of a collaborative endeavor designed to generate revenue through business ventures and corporate partnerships.

The business plan focused on increasing resources for the Autism Treatment Center Rehabilitation Agency (ATCRA), which provides outpatient services, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and diagnostic services. ATCRA is expanding services for existing Autism Treatment Center (ATC) consumers and will grow to serve additional children and adults with autism throughout North Texas.

The business model is a direct response to the increasing rate in the diagnosis of autism. This year, more than 25,000 U.S. children are anticipated to be diagnosed with autism, more than new pediatric cases of AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Anna Hundley, Executive Director of the Autism Treatment Center, said, “It is truly lamentable that autism has increased at the exponential rates we have seen in recent years. Through our partnership with Community Wealth Ventures, we have been better equipped to manage the financial impact that additional resources and capacity require. This remains consistent with our commitment to provide services to individuals and families affected by autism.”

Additionally, ATC proudly received the designation as a “School of Excellence” by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). The designation recognizes ATC has demonstrated “truly exceptional dedication, commitment, and achievement in the field of special education”. ATC was one of 41 schools across the nation to receive this prestigious distinction.

About the Agency – The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) was founded in Dallas, Texas in 1976 to provide services for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Services expanded to San Antonio two years later. In 1992, the Dallas program expanded services to include individuals who are deaf-blind and multi-handicapped. ATC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The agency’s mission is “to assist people with autism and related disorders throughout their lives as they learn, play, work and live in the community. For more information, please visit www.atcoftexas.org

Contact: Heather H. Russell
Development Director,
Autism Treatment Center
10503 Metric Drive
Dallas, Texas 75243
Tel: (214) 644-2076

What: 20th Annual Roundup for Autism
When: Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27, 2008
Why: To raise awareness and funds for the Autism Treatment Center

For Immediate Release

20th Annual Roundup for Autism – “The Spirit of the West”

The Roundup for Autism is a three-day event spanning the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to be held September 25-27, 2008. The Roundup was founded in 1988 by Bobby Norris in honor of his daughter who has autism and is designed to raise funds for the Autism Treatment Center.

The festivities commence in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District with a media kick-off party and parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25th. Friday, September 26th will find rodeo celebrities and other participants at the Mesquite Resistol Arena competing in the Celebrity Rodeo and Cutting beginning at 8: 00 p.m.

Saturday night, September 27th, is the finale of the Roundup for Autism. The Pegasus Ball, a black-tie formal event, will be held at the Regency Ballroom in the Fairmont Dallas hotel. The theme of the 20th annual event will be “Spirit of the West”. Live entertainment will be provided by famed western singer and poet laureate, Red Steagall.

The Autism Treatment Center (ATC) was established in 1976 as a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that serves children and adults with autism. ATC provides services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include: diagnostic, educational, vocational, and residential treatment for children and adults with autism and other developmental disorders. The Center helps consumers develop a higher level of independence for persons affected with autism and brings hope and encouragement to their families.

Founder: Bobby Norris
Trail Boss: Robert C. Norris
Honorary Chairmen: Jill and Tracy Rowlett
Event Co-Chairmen: Gina Archer and Heather Russell
Fundraising Chairman: Heather Russell
Parade Co-Chairmen: Denise and Fern Marin
Celebrity Rodeo Masters of Ceremony: Larry Mahan
Celebrity Host: Barry Corbin
Rodeo Chairman: Bob Shelton
LASSO Chairman: Michelle Weatherspoon
Peripheral Events Chairmen: Brooke and Matt Hayes
Promotions Chairmen: Darin Prejean and Melody Jahn
Golf Classic Chairmen: Mike Peevy and Tanya Peevy

Sponsors include: Dee and Charles Wyly, KTVT CBS 11/TXA 21, American Airlines, The Norris Foundation, Frost Bank, Fairmont Dallas, Awfully Good Gifts, PSAV, Mesquite Resistol Arena, Bobby Norris Quarter Horse Ranch, August Long, 99.5 The Wolf, Print Team, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Westfall, Mr. and Mrs. George Grissom, Lone Star Pony Express.

Rodeo Tickets: Please contact the Mesquite Resistol Arena Ticket Office at 972-285-8777 or www.ticketmaster.com

Pegasus Ball Tickets: Please contact Neil Massey, Special Events Coordinator, at 972-644-2076 ext. 104. Ticket prices are $200 per person.

Contact: Heather Russell, Fundraising Chairman, 972-644-2076 ext.103 or hrussell@atcoftexas.org.
Roundup for Autism: www.roundupforautism.com

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