Adults will get a home

The autism support group's third annual reverse raffle/dinner is Saturday. By WILLIAM K. ALCORN VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER YOUNGSTOWN -- The biggest fear of parents of children with autism is what will happen to their child when he or she grows up and the parents are gone. The Tri-County Chapter of the Autism Society of Ohio is trying to alleviate some of that fear by building a group home strictly for adults with autism in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. The group has raised about $100,000 for the planned four-bedroom, 2,800-square-foot home, but it needs $250,000 to $300,000 to do the job right, said Frank Aiello, chapter president. Aiello, owner of Cool Kitchens in Boardman, said the chapter, an autism support group which has nonprofit status, is negotiating to buy two acres in Youngstown on which to build the home, and it plans to apply for state and federal grants. It also has fund-raising events such as a golf outing in the summer and its third annual reverse raffle/dinner at 7 p.m. Saturday at Italian Americans War Veterans Post 3, 115 S. Meridian Road. Tickets for the reverse raffle and buffet dinner are $75, and a guest dinner ticket is $25. The raffle prize is $2,000. The event also includes a Chinese auction, door prizes, musical entertainment provided by TEEZ, and a cash bar that begins at 6 p.m. Its purpose and setup Helen Aiello, Frank Aiello's wife, said group homes designed to meet the specific needs of adults with autism are needed immediately. Those with autism require structure and routine and a place to get away from too much stimulation, she said. For that reason, Frank said the home will contain "quiet rooms" attached to the bedrooms, where residents can be by themselves when it is necessary. Also, there will be a staffing office that will be manned by qualified people to supervise the home, he said. The Aiellos said the chapter eventually wants to build more group homes for what they say is a growing autistic population. Helen Aiello said the first home is for adults who need a special environment. But, she said, she hopes there will be a place for their son, Gary, who is 15, when they are gone. In addition to planning to build homes, the chapter sponsors events for children and adults with autism such as bowling and camping outings. People who want to buy tickets for the reverse raffle/dinner or wish to donate money or get more information about the chapter can call (330) 799-7523. alcorn@vindy.com