Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/37044
70 • AUGUST 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism and Northeastern Fence & Supply Corporation, headquartered in Saugus, Mass., announced that an Amesbury family is the most recent recipient of a fence that will contribute toward the safety and security of their son with autism as part of its “Flutie Family Fence Project.” Northeastern Fence, a family- owned business with over 50 years in the industry, generously donated the labor and fence to be installed around the Corcoran family’s yard. “The Flutie Foundation is dedi- cated to helping parents protect their children with autism from wandering,” said Chris Chirco, director of pro- gramming at the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foun- Flutie Family Fence Project helps protect children prone to wandering Northeastern Fence & Supply Corporation donates security fence to Amesbury family affected by autism dation for Autism. “It is an issue that has impacted the autism community greatly, as children affected by autism are more likely to wander into traffic or away from home, and many of them are unable to communicate their needs to those around them. Northeastern Fence has truly stepped up to the plate to help us put families at ease by pro- viding fencing and, in turn, protection for a child with autism.” Recognizing the importance of keeping children with autism safe, the Flutie Foundation started the Flutie Family Fence Project to help fence in the yards of families of individuals with autism who could not otherwise afford to do so. Through their partner- ship with the Flutie Foundation, Northeastern Fence & Supply has agreed to donate labor and materials for fence installations each year to fi- nancially challenged families of chil- dren with autism in Northeastern Massachusetts to help keep their kids safe. “We’re very proud to provide this complimentary fence installation to a local family affected by autism,” said Mike Payne, owner of Northeastern Fence & Supply. “Wandering is a se- rious issue for children with autism, and we hope to give the family peace of mind knowing their child can play and grow in a safe environment.” The Autism Support Center of the Northeast ARC, a non-profit that pro- vides support services to people with developmental disabilities, recom- mended the Corcoran family for con- sideration to the Flutie Family Fence Project. Mother Elizabeth Corcoran had been a long-time member of the Autism Support Center. Systems, Radios & Locks Telephone Entry NEW! Training on OPERATOR INSTALLER SCHOOL Cost is $1749 for members, $2449 for nonmembers. For more information or an application, contact: Learn the technical aspects of automated gate systems including proper specifications, installation techniques, and security and safety procedures. With trained gate operator installers on staff, you can better serve more residential properties, gated communities, and more of the commercial and industrial vehicle access market. AFA’s comprehensive Operator Installer School features classroom instruction and field training, and has been expanded to include more hands-on instruction. Turn installation and service of gate operators into a more profitable part of your business with the addition of well trained installers. “This is a family whose son is very energetic, active, and who loves being outside,” said Gloria Ricardi Castillo, co-director of the Autism Support Center. “As he has no under- standing of the dangers of wandering, the fence will allow him to enjoy the outdoors safely.” The Flutie Family Fence Project is a program of the foundation’s Safe & Secure Project, a partnership between the Flutie Foundation, LoJack Safety- Net and Northeastern Fence & Supply which strives to help those with autism who tend to wander. The Flutie Family Fence Project and Northeastern Fence & Supply donated its first fence to a Lynn, Mass. family in November of 2009. To learn more about the Flutie Family Safe & Secure project and the Flutie Family Fence project, visit www.flutiefoundation.org. The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. was established in 1998 by Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, in honor of their 19-year-old son, Doug, Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Autism is a neurological disorder that impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social in- teraction and communication skills. Autism now affects one in 110 children in the United States, and the numbers diagnosed continues to dra- matically climb. The Cor f ye , Mass. Joe v c a c son, y received a brand ne oran famil n abo sho are Damien and Beth Cor autism and might wander ve at left, their daughter , Kit. nce to enhance the security of w y of Amesb who has w w ood pri- ur y , . c Also pictured oran and DOUG FLUTIE JR. FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM PHOTO