A Secret Ingredient in Happiness
A few weeks ago, I read an Associated Press article about research which indicated that people who give of their time and financial resources report being happier than those who don’t. Although I’ve never personally conducted research on this topic, I have experienced the truth of it first-hand, as I find that I am happier when I give freely of my time, talents, and money. Granted, there are times when I have more to give than others, but having a positive, eager attitude toward giving, regardless of how much I have to give, is perhaps a “secret ingredient” in the recipe for personal happiness.
There are many opportunities to give in honor of Autism Awareness month. It’s a great time to volunteer for an organization that benefits those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), or perhaps to give of your time and talents as a tutor or respite provider for individuals on the spectrum and their families. The Gray Center occasionally needs help staffing our two offices with parents, grandparents, or other interested people who are willing to sit for a few hours to enable us to fulfill our insurance providers’ stipulation that we have two people in the office when we are open to the public. (It’s a great time to read a book or watch a DVD!) We can also use help with marketing and writing grants, two things you can do whether you live in West Michigan or on the other side of the world. If you’re interested in helping in any of these ways, just email me at laurel@thegraycenter.org. More than likely, there are other schools and organizations in your area which could use your gifts of time and ability, too!
Financial support is also an important means to raising awareness of the strengths and finding solutions to the challenges of those living with ASD. Money that you give to The Gray Center is used to provide support groups for parents, grandparents, siblings, and individuals on the spectrum, as well as social understanding groups for children and adolescents on the spectrum. Many of our groups are provided free of charge, thanks to contributions from generous supporters. Other services that we provide, such as our free phone and email support and our web site at www.thegraycenter.org, are made possible by the purchases that many of you make from our online bookstore. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing valuable services at minimal or no cost to those who need them, your tax-deductible contributions are always greatly appreciated! You can give safely and easily at www.thegraycenter.org. You can also get creative by raising funds through a “Wear Jeans to Work Day,” a pop can collection, a bake sale, or some other means, or by conducting your online shopping through www.iGive.com/graycenter so that your online purchases benefit The Gray Center.
One great way to raise awareness of ASD is to give copies of “ASD to Z” to neighbors, family members, medical professionals, childcare providers, and school staff members. We’re offering this booklet at a significantly reduced price for the next few weeks so that you can purchase multiple copies to educate others in your community. The money The Gray Center makes from the sale of this resource goes toward supplying free copies to families and other individuals new to the diagnosis. You can find “ASD to Z” on our web site or in our two offices.
There are many more ways that you can raise awareness of ASD, and support organizations like The Gray Center as we work together to promote social understanding. I’ll send more ideas throughout the month. You may also download a free flyer from our home page at www.thegraycenter.org that you can print and distribute as you see fit. However you choose to contribute to this important endeavor, we thank you for your support, and wish you much happiness!
Laurel Hoekman, Executive Director
The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding
P.S. The Gray Center does not charge any membership fees. We provide many of our services free-of-charge, and we do not charge a subscription fee for the SUN News. Would you consider making a donation to enable us to continue to provide these services for you and others who need information and support? Donations in the United States are tax-deductible. You can give quickly and securely at www.thegraycenter.org.
