COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

FECHA: Junio 9, 2023, 9:00 AM

TEMA: The Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks Raise Funds and Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in April of 2023

CONTACTO: Paul Carganilla, Director de Asuntos de la Comunidad | (805) 385-7631 | [email protected]

Cada año, la Sociedad de Autismo celebra el mes de abril como el Mes de la Aceptación del Autismo: un esfuerzo para difundir la conciencia y la aceptación de las personas y familias afectadas por el autismo. 2023 marcó el quinto año consecutivo en que el Departamento de Policía de Oxnard se unió a este esfuerzo con “pop-ups” comunitarios educativos y eventos para recaudar fondos.. Trabajando en equipo con las tiendas Starbucks locales y con el apoyo de donaciones de patrocinadores., the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation raised over $10,250.00 for Autism Society Ventura County.

Funds were raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced in part through donations from the awareness campaign’s title sponsors: Stacy Miller Asuntos Públicos, the Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association, and Channel Islands Social Services. The Channel Islands Farmers Market, F. Morton Pitt Company (Ventura), and local business owner Ron Wertzenberger of Vogue Sign Company also donated services to the effort.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to four police department pop-ups and also collected donations from customers and employees throughout the month of April. El gerente del distrito local, Anthony Valdez, destacó, “Cuando las comunidades y los líderes se unen, Sabemos que podemos lograr cosas más grandes que cuando estamos separados.. Estar involucrado es parte de nuestra misión y valores en Starbucks. Nos apasiona apoyar a las comunidades a las que servimos y la Autism Society es un gran socio y una organización que lo merece”.

Según su sitio web, La Sociedad de Autismo del Condado de Ventura fue fundada en 1994 por padres locales, Educadores y profesionales para ayudar a apoyar a las familias recién diagnosticadas y desarrollar los recursos locales necesarios.. La misión de la Sociedad de Autismo del Condado de Ventura es mejorar las vidas de todos los afectados por el autismo.. Trabajan para promover el acceso y las oportunidades durante toda la vida para que todas las personas dentro del espectro del autismo y sus familias sean miembros plenamente incluidos de la comunidad.. Como organización local sin fines de lucro, la organización depende de asociaciones locales. Autism Society Ventura County Vice President Ashley Pope explains, “We are so grateful to partner with Oxnard PD and Starbucks for hosting Autism Acceptance Month for the 5th year! The funds we raise allow us to make an impact on Oxnard and the rest of Ventura County through support groups, advocacy, art classes, informational programs, and so much more. The families we serve are touched by the kindness and generosity of the Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks. We are lucky to have a police department that is so dedicated to understanding, protecting, and serving the entire community.”

Sharon Francis, Founder and CEO of campaign sponsor Channel Islands Social Services, dicho, “Channel Islands Social Services has partnered with Autism Society Ventura County since our founding in 2004 to strengthen families by offering them free Respite Care. The spectrum of support ASVC provides to autistic children, adults and their families has proven to be an invaluable resource. Our organization always sponsors their events and fully endorses their outreach and training to the community and to our first responders.”

The Oxnard Police Department strives to build strong community partnerships and assist Oxnard’s vulnerable populations. Police Chief Jason Benites recognizes the importance of autism awareness and education. Chief Benites stated, “I am proud to be a part of a police department that supports Autism Society Ventura County. Our commitment to this cause stems from the recognition that every individual deserves equal opportunities and understanding, regardless of their unique abilities or challenges. Whether it is a child, a cousin, or a family friend, many of us have close connections to persons with autism, which also brings it home for us. In our furtherance of public safety, we should always remember that progress lies in our ability to build a compassionate and inclusive society. By supporting the Autism Society, we affirm our dedication to this great cause.”