This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Neal Lichter, Program Director of Pathfinders for Autism, (PFA), and PFA's Development Director Katie Ramirez, who joined via phone on a snow day, to talk about their mission and upcoming fundraising events. Established in 2000, PFA is Maryland's largest non-profit autism organization and was founded by Orioles Hall of Famer BJ Surhoff and his wife Polly to help their son Mason and many families like theirs with loved ones on the autism spectrum. Pathfinders for Autism works to support and improve the lives of individuals with autism and the people who care for them through expansive, customized programming, and by providing resources, training, information and activities free of charge.
Neal talked about the latest ASD, (Autism Spectrum Disorder), national rates and Maryland rates, explained what services their Resource Center provides and explained the types of trainings PFA offers including Law Enforcement and Hospital training working with departments across the state and medical systems like UMMS, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Maryland Medical and Dental School and Towson University Nursing students. They've also started offering Traffic Stop Practice sessions all over the state in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. Neal also shared information about free family events held at Baltimore Blast games, the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium and many more.
Katie talked about their recent Guest Bartending event with PFA Board Member Rob Long and Founder BJ Surhoff at Massoni's in Nottingham and upcoming events like their Sweetheart Soiree February 9th at Boordy Vineyards, their annual Golf Tournament coming up May 20th at Hillendale Golf & Country Club and Run Wild For Autism scheduled for May 7th at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and at Assateague on September 22nd.
For tickets and information on upcoming events, to host an event, or to donate directly to support their mission, visit pathfindersforautism.org. You can also follow Pathfinders for Autism on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Click the media player below to listen to the interview and to find out more about Pathfinders for Autism.
