GPARC
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The Mission of the Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center is to enhance and benefit the lives of Autistic children and adults by providing a range of comprehensive services that will address their recreational, educational, social and economical circumstances.
Gparc will help the individuals affected and their families be included in their community, family, school or job.
The Mission of the Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center is to enhance and benefit the lives of Autistic children and adults by providing a range of comprehensive services that will address their recreational, educational, social and economical circumstances.
Gparc will help the individuals affected and their families be included in their community, family, school or job.
I would not even have imagined that thirty-four years ago that my son, Garrett, would be living his best life in his residence with his roommates. Garrett was diagnosed with autism at the age of five. I did not know how far he could go but I had hope that he would strive to become the best person that he could be.
He likes having friendships and being with family and staying connected to his community where he grew up. It had been a long journey, and the journey did not end when he reached the age of twenty-two. I knew then that I must continue to ensure that Garrett has all the support and services he needs to become more independent.
My purpose in founding the Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center, GPARC is that I want every family we serve to have the same opportunities and resources possible. Attending events and activities in the community for fun and helping us to stay connected.
April is Autism Awareness Month, but for me it is making sure that Garrett and others, no matter their age, have the right to grow up happy, healthy, and feeling included in the community.
Deborah Smith-Pressley
CEO/Founder
2024
Autism is a neurological condition that interferes with communication, socialization and behavioral skills of people affected. A child, teen or adult with autism can exhibit:
THE MISSION of the Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center is to enhance and benefit the lives of autistic children and adults by providing a range of comprehensive services that will address their recreational, educational, social, and economical circumstances.
GPARCwill help individuals affected and their families, to be included in their community, family, school, or job.
Question: What is autism?
Answer: Autism is a neurological condition that interferes with communication, socialization and behavioral skills of people affected. However, everyone is a different and unique individual with their own
positive strengths and abilities.
Question: What is the S.A.S.S.Y Program?
Answer: The (SA.S.S.Y) Successful Advocacy and Social Skills for Youth Program teaches intensive social skills training through recreation, daily living skills, self- advocacy, job readiness skills, peer mentorship, art therapy, violence prevention and health and fitness in the community.
Question: What does GPARC Parent Support Groups offer?
Answer: Monthly support group meetings featuring several presenters. Topics will include Estate Planning, Financial Planning, Transition Planning, Health Insurance, IEP (Individual Education Plan), ISP (Individual Support Plan), Daily Living Skills, Social Security and other Mental Health Care benefits.
Question: How do I become a member of GPARC?
Answer: Call or email GPARC for an application. Please provide your contact information on the form. For membership, $25 for an individual and $50 for a family. Please mail in your application and make a check or money order payable to:
GPARC or to Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center
468 Norfolk Street
Mattapan, MA 02126
Question: What additional services does GPARC provide?
Answer: GPARC provides Educational Consultation Services based on the individual needs of each family. The consultation fee is based on the type of a service you need by the GPARC Educational Specialist, (ie, IEP (Individual Education Plan), assistance, medical and health care referrals, ISP (Individual Support Plan)
Question: How has the social skills training helped?
Answer: See our testimonials!
Question: Who does GPARC serve?
Answer: We serve children, teenagers and young adults on the autism spectrum. GPARC also provides career development and customer service trainings for neurotypical peers.
Garrett Pressley was diagnosed with autism at the age of five. At the time there was limited knowledge of the condition in the community. Many people did not know what autism was and were afraid to work with Garrett due to not understanding his developmental disability.
Deborah Smith-Pressley, Garrett's mom set out to make him included in his community.Twenty-five years later, Garrett is well known in his community where he calls home, Boston. With hard work and determination his family made sure he was and still is included in his school, community, and family life.
Deborah's dream was to make inclusion a reality for all families in Boston and surrounding areas.
She then established The Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center Inc.
The Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center, also known as GPARC, provides intensive social skills programming that engages youth to learn and develop new skills and experiences. The therapeutic sessions focus on Health and wellness, cooking, art therapy, violence prevention, and communication. In addition, to the Social Skills Training, Career Development and Customer Service Classes support GPARC members in seeking employment opportunities.
The Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center hosts yearly events and fundraisers. These events are, The Annual Walk for Autism, Connecting the Puzzle Piece Community Service Award, and the GPARC Benefit Concert. Our community gatherings provide information to the community about Autism Awareness, and the programs and services offered.
GPARC’s former site is a legacy and foundational asset for many individuals. You can access that site here!
The Garrett Pressley Autism Resource Center, also known as GPARC, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded and operated by Deborah Smith-Pressley and Clayton Pressley Jr., the parents of Garrett Pressley. They understand and are committed to serving and meeting the needs of families living in the Greater Boston area and other surrounding communities.
