Monday, 9th November 2015
Autism doesn’t go away when you turn 18 – so why does funding?
Autism awareness has come a long way since Autism Ontario was first established in 1973, but there is still a ways to go.
Autism awareness has come a long way since Autism Ontario was first established in 1973. Back then, a concerned group of parents banded together to change how the community, the province and the country treated people on the spectrum. They addressed issues like the lack of research, poor public awareness and non-existent support from schools and the government. They made people aware of the challenges faced by people with ASD, and helped countless children thrive and maximize their potential.
Today the organization faces a new challenge: until now, much of the focus of autism awareness and funding has been on children. However, once they age out of the school system, they leave behind much of the funding, programs and support they’ve received since diagnosis. Parents panic when their children finish high school and realize that, in many cases, there’s nothing out there for them. So many end up becoming housebound and isolated, watching videos and surfing the web and disengaging from the world around them. In essence, they end up graduating from the classroom to the couch in their parents’ basement.
“Autism affects people across their life span,” says Margaret Spoelstra, Executive Director of Autism Ontario. “It certainly changes over time, but you should never forget that children with autism grow up to be adults with autism. The problem here is with how provincial funding is structured. And sadly, it’s a system that keeps us from being as supportive to these adults as we want.”
Funding is vital for this age group. For one, families who have a child with autism are often tapped out financially. They have spent every penny and are often in debt because of the additional things they’ve had to purchase privately (e.g. treatment, intervention, extra help, home changes, etc.). If they are fortunate enough to be a two-parent household (raising a child with ASD can take its toll on a marriage), it’s likely that one parent has had to give up their career to be at home to provide care, or to pick up their child when the school can’t handle their behaviour.
As a result, most families simply aren’t in a financial position to help their adult children, and these young adults are not able to easily raise money themselves. Their lack of social skills often prevent them from finding jobs, and many also suffer from depression and anxiety. So whether it’s paying for university tuition or helping with skills-building programs, the money has to come from somewhere.
Two years ago, a generous donor approached Autism Ontario with the desire to help adults. His gift resulted in the Building Better Futures Fund (BBFF), which provides financial assistance for everything from summer recreation passes to college tuition. A second scholarship, named in honour of Eleanor Richie, a parent who worked tirelessly to further the goals of Autism Ontario, offers similar grants. Both of these initiatives have made a big difference in the lives of people with autism and their families, but it’s not enough.
“We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have applied,” says Spoelstra. “We are so sad to have to turn anyone away. But we do, every year, because we have so many more applicants than we have funds.”
As a result, iCapital has teamed up with Autism Ontario to help make a difference in the lives of these young adults. Their #givealatte campaign is raising funds through Indiegogo, and they have pledged to match donations up to $10K. Every penny raised through the campaign will go to either the BBFF or the Eleanor Richie Scholarship, which offer $500 grants to help with job training, education, therapy and more.
A $500 scholarship may not sound like a lot, but it can make a real impact on a family that’s already struggling to make ends meet.
“We’ve received so many letters that show us what we’re doing is worthwhile,” says Spoelstra. “The scholarships have helped with tuition, they’ve allowed people start up their own businesses, and they’ve ensured families can afford activities and care for their grown children. It’s so encouraging to people who find doors closed at every turn.”
If you would like to donate $5 in place of morning latte, visit iCapital’s #givealatte campaign, and you’ll see how your small donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
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iCapital raises record amount for autism
June 28, 2018 – TORONTO, ON – Small business lender iCapital achieved another milestone this quarter: their community fundraising campaign in support of autism surpassed every other campaign they’ve undertaken to date, totaling $24,379.28. The company presented the cheque to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Canadian organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof.
This is the fourth year that iCapital has made a donation in support of autism; the third year supporting ISAND. In recognition of the impact the funds have had on ISAND, Executive Director David Gray surprised the iCapital team by revealing that the centre is naming a therapy room to recognize their generosity. “We were completely taken off guard and overwhelmed by the gesture,” said iCapital representative Diane Capobianco. “We run this campaign because we feel it’s important to be charitable and support the community that supports us. This gesture ISAND made is incredibly thoughtful. It’s really meaningful too all of us.”
The ISAND room has been donned “Anthony’s room” after the teenager who has been the face of iCapital’s campaigns. At 19 years old, Anthony has been an ISAND client for the past four years. This year he addressed the 130 people at iCapital’s sold-out fundraising event. All eyes were on him as he described his experience at ISAND, and the skills they have been teaching them.
Anthony’s aunt Diane Capobianco works at iCapital. Six years ago when the iCapital team was discussing which charitable organization they would donate to that year, Diane told Anthony’s story. “There are so many worthwhile causes, but this one really resonated with the team. Almost everyone here has a connection to someone with autism. We decided to put our money toward small organizations where $10,000 or $20,000 would make a big difference.
“iCapital was our very first corporate donor,” recounts David Gray. Gray recounts that when iCapital approached them about their plans to run a private fundraising event back in 2015, ISAND was in need of donations to help pay for operating expenses and keep the doors open. Since that time, other organizations have started their own campaigns for ISAND, helping it to grow.
iCapital has already started planning their 2019 event, which will be a “bigger, better version of this year’s cook-off,” says Capobianco. Their fundraising goal is bigger too: $25,000. This would bring their five-year total raised for autism to over $100,000.
About iCapital
iCapital is a leading small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used–it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges. The customer care team work directly with business owner to determine which of the two funding options is best for the client.
To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with ISAND to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.
About ISAND
The ISAND team of medical, psycho-social, educational and vocational experts is committed to a model of integrated service delivery, as an alternative to the costly, fragmented, ad hoc system that leaves individuals and family members searching for professionals and programs and facing untenable wait lists and sequential gaps in services over time. ISAND is a coalition of highly trained and experienced professionals dedicated to offering comprehensive, coordinated, innovative and evidence-based approaches to treating and managing Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
For more information, please contact:
Liz Teodorini
Principal, Hop Skip Marketing
416.996.4554
liz@hopskipmarketing.com
iCapital launches 2nd annual “#givealatte” campaign to bolster hard-to-come-by integrated autism support
December 7, 2015 – TORONTO, ON – From today until December 18, 2015, when Canadians #givealatte (forgoing their morning latte in favour of making a small donation) they’ll be making really big difference to Canadian families who are trying to access autism support.
Small business lender iCapital has launched its second annual #givealatte campaign with the promise of matching every dollar donated up to $10,000. This year the funds raised will be given to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Toronto-based organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof. iCapital is aiming to surpass the $20,100 raised through #givealatte in 2015.
While most Canadians are aware of autism and know families affected by it, the difficulty to access services is lesser known. Healthcare coverage varies from province to province and there are months-long queues to access programs. For kids and teens with autism and their families, negotiating the system is extremely challenging. Not to mention the financial strain it places on many.
"iCapital’s #givealatte could result in the most funds ever raised for ISAND through a single initiative," says ISAND's Executive Director David Gray. "The funds will help pay for ISAND therapy, camps, programs that help young adult transition into the working world, family support and basic infrastructure and centre supplies. What’s really special about our organization is we offer a continuity of services, so families have all their health providers working collectively to support not only their children’s needs, but the families’ wellbeing as well."
This campaign is inspired by Anthony, the gentle, affectionate, happy 17-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco from iCapital. Earlier this year Anthony and his family discovered ISAND and have been inspired by the organization. Over the past two months, Anthony has been working with his health worker to learn how to manage everyday activities such as riding the subway. What seems a simple task, paying a TTC fare, standing behind the yellow line and traveling a longer distance, are often learned skills for people with autism.
Anthony and iCapital want to help other families experience the phenomenal ISAND programs that have helped Anthony build his social skills and engage with the world around him.
“Available programs decrease the older a child gets. Once Anthony graduates from high school there are very few programs available for him. But with support and training, Anthony and many people like him, can be an active, contributing member of our community and workforce,” says Anthony’s mother Tina. “That is what brought us to ISAND. Initially we were intrigued by the young adult programming, but as we have become familiar with the centre we have been inspired by the full spectrum of services and integrated care tat everyone receives. It really is an inspirational place.”
The #givealatte campaign is important for raising funds, but it’s also valuable for boosting awareness of autism and ISAND. People’s knowledge about children with autism is great thanks to the efforts of a number of wonderful organizations. But fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. And rarely do people consider the strain autism puts on families. iCapital is hoping their effort will inspire people to learn more, talk with their friends about autism, and spread the word on social media.
To learn more about Anthony and iCapital’s #givealatte campaign, please visit:
- https://www.icapital.ca/about/giving-back/
Donations can be made through Canada Helps - https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/give-a-little-give-a-latte/
Media opportunities with Anthony and his family, ISAND directors and/or clinicians can be arranged throughout the duration of the campaign. - Please contact Tania Stadnik @ 416-457-7718 or tania@hopskipmarketing.com
About iCapital
iCapital is the best small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used – it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges. The customer care team work directly with business owner to determine which of the two funding options is best for the client. Unlike applying for a bank loan, iCapital’s program is hassle free and stress free.
To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with ISAND to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.
About ISAND
The ISAND team of medical, psycho-social, educational and vocational experts is committed to a model of integrated service delivery, as an alternative to the costly, fragmented, ad hoc system that leaves individuals and family members searching for professionals and programs and facing untenable wait lists and sequential gaps in services over time. ISAND is a coalition of highly trained and experienced professionals dedicated to offering comprehensive, coordinated, innovative and evidence-based approaches to treating and managing Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
For more information #givealatte, please contact:
Tania Stadnik
Principal, Hop Skip Marketing
416.457.7718
Tania@hopskipmarketing.com
iCapital named to best business loans list for 2020
The iCapital team is thrilled to announced that we’ve been named one of Canada’s best business loan providers in 2020 by Smarter Loans! Being recognized as one the best, particularly in a crowded industry, takes hard work. Our team has been working at this for a long time, so it’s a great feeling to be recognized for our effort.
This “best of 2020” list recognizes financial companies with an established track record that consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellent product offerings, customer service, responsible lending practices, transparency and safety for all Canadians.
“With all of the financing options available to small businesses, getting money for your business is straightforward – the tricky part is choosing a lender,” says Liz Teodorini, Customer Experience Team Leader, iCapital. “Having worked with hundreds of Canadian businesses, our advice is to choose a lender who’ll ensure you choose the best product for your needs, give you great service and help ensure you aren’t over-leveraging your business. Cost matters, but good service right from the start can save you more.”
At iCapital, for years we’ve placed a huge emphasis on offering our customers superior service in addition to competitive products. And every year we survey our customers to check that what we’re doing is making a difference.
Smarter Loans is an online service that compares lenders and business loan rates. They wrote that they created this "best of" list "so you don’t have to look any further to find the best option for you and your business.”
Read more about the award on Smarter Loans’ Best Business Loans for 2020 publication.
Read more about the award on Smarter Loans’ Best Business Loans for 2020 publication.