BRAAC wins $10,000 from Freedom First and WSLS 10
June 1, 2016, Roanoke, VA –
ROANOKE (WSLS 10) – From 3,600 to 10 and finally down to one.
After more than 31,000 votes were cast, Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center won $10,000 from Freedom First Credit Union and WSLS 10.
The center, which helps children and families affected by autism and other learning challenges, claimed more than 37 percent of the votes among the 10 non-profits randomly selected from the initial nomination pool.
The group said the donation will allow them to continue to serve the community.
“We’re so excited about what this is going to be able to help us do. We serve an amazing population. We have amazing kids and adolescents and families and this money is going to allow us to continue to serve these families and expand what we’re doing,” said BRAAC executive director Christina Giuliano. “We can’t say enough wonderful things about our community and we just want to thank them. Thank them for their support and the opportunity to continue to serve their children.”
She said the money will help the organization continue to serve local families and expand services.
Sport Clips raised over $2,400 for BRAAC Lynchburg
June 1, 2016 – Sport Clips, on Wards Road in Lynchbug, hosted a month long fundraiser for Autism Awareness Month in April 2016. They visited BRAAC Lynchburg to deliver the check that totaled $2,485.60 on June 1st and all they wanted in return was a few pies in the face! Thank you to Sport Clips, their staff and all those that donated. As part of the fundraiser they also gave free haircuts to all individuals with autism during the month of April.
BRAAC’s Breaks Ground on $1.7 Million Expansion
Speakers Dr. Gena Barnhill, Associate Professor at Lynchburg College, and Martha Hooker, Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Participate in the Ceremony
May 5, 2016, Roanoke, VA – Local community leaders and officials joined together today with Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC) and their honored guests to officially break ground on a $1.7 million expansion on the current Roanoke facility. The expansion will add an additional 12,650 square feet to the 25,000 square feet the facility already maintains.
“Today we celebrate not only a groundbreaking, but also many groundbreaking opportunities to offer an education that significantly increases the chances for gains in intellectual and social development for our children with autism,” Speaker Martha Hooker, Catawba District Representative on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, said.
BRAAC’s Patti Cook receives 2015 Educator of the Year Award
Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County Announces 2015 People’s Choice Awards Recipients
On Wednesday, November 4, the Quality of Life Committee of the Chamber of Commerce serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County, presented the 17th Annual 2015 People’s Choice Awards at its Annual Meeting at the Virginia Horse Center.
John B. Hennis, President of the Board of Directors, welcomed more than 125 people to the Chamber’s first Annual Meeting under the direction of Executive Director Tracy E. Lyons. After a brief video recapping events and memorable moments over the past year, Lyons enthusiastically laid the groundwork for an exciting year ahead.
John Rainone, President of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and Chair of the Quality of Life Committee, presented the People’s Choice Awards before the large crowd in attendance. The awards honor individuals in five categories: Volunteer of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, Educator of the Year, Employer of the Year, and Citizen of the Year.
Fundraiser at Just Fish’n
November 19th at Just Fish’n, Chris Dixon donated a sweet Orion Coolers for a raffle. The raffle raised $355, which he immediately gave to John Crews to donate to a charity – the only stipulation was that it had to be an organization connected to autism.
“I was blown away, ” Crews stated. “I sent the money to Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center.”
Thank you Chris and John for the generous donation and for thinking about BRAAC and autism support for our families and children.
PICTURED: Chris Dixon with cooler
Congressman Goodlatte visits BRAAC 
BRAAC was honored to have Congressman Goodlatte visit our school and make a personal donation on November 13th! Some of our students presented him with a thank you painting that says “Thank you for helping us grow!” Thank you, Congressman!
Leonard: Roanoke police show the way on special needs!
Posted June 11, 2015 on The Roanoke Times Opinion page online (Roanoke.com), Roanoke, VA –
By Angie Leonard
Leonard is the founder and former executive director of Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center. She is CEO of St. Vincent’s Home, and Autism Speaks’ state advocacy chair for adult services. Her son, Joshua, 19, was the first GTO Cadet.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY CREDENTIALED STAFF!
May 5, 2015, Roanoke, VA –
We are proud to have such a wonderful BRAAC team!
Amy is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed in Virginia (left).
Stacey is a newly licensed Special Education Teacher (center).
David is now a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (right).
