Who We Are
FASTT is a non-profit organization founded to establish vocational
and employment programs for adults with autism in Southern Illinois.
The FASTT farmstead site is in Mascoutah, but our families come from
the entire Metro East Region—from East St. Louis to Greenville.
Most families reside in St. Clair and Madison Counties.
We now have a day program at Rock Springs Park, O'Fallon, established
November 27th, 2006.
Mission Statement
Improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for personal,
educational and vocational growth for adults with autism in Southern
Illinois using a farm-based program.
Challenge
FASTT is working to establish community employment and vocational programs
so that adults with autism can live as independently and with as much dignity
and opportunity as possible.
People with autism have needs that are quite different from those with
other special needs. Specialized programs enable them to remain in
the community and enjoy their lives in a variety of ways that are much
more difficult to do in institutional settings.
Site
FASTT has finalized a long-term lease of 42 acres of farm land
near Mascoutah, Illinois. The land was a very generous donation from a
Metro East family that is devoted to the FASTT mission. The donation
was given with the hope that the FASTT dream of building adult vocational and
employment programs in Southern Illinois would provide adults with
autism with opportunities they would otherwise probably lack.
Day Program
As you may know, there are not many options for southern Illinois adults with autism,
especially those who have aged out of school. We have designed a new day program for
these people, based on horticulture and currently being run out of Rock Springs Park
in O'Fallon.
A few years ago, a group of dedicated parents got together to start FASTT. Since then,
we have been fundraising, grant writing, and advocating for our foundation. Finally, we
have enough money to start the day program we worked so hard for. On November 27, 2006,
we opened our doors and welcomed our first clients. Since then, we have grown to
accomodate ten of them.
FASTT is planning on opening a satellite program in Collinsville to better serve
the community. If you are interested, please complete this application.
Application for Clients
Action
FASTT is working with legislators and administrators to obtain the funding
and licensing necessary to form a developmental training program; in the future
we will seek CARF accreditation. Finally, FASTT asks the citizens of Southern
Illinois to support our goals by attending our fundraisers.
Future Plans
The 42 acre FASTT farmstead is the planned location for a model program
for adults based on the internationally acclaimed prototype,
Bittersweet Farms
in Ohio. Bittersweet provides men and women with autism a place to work, learn
and socialize with the purpose of gaining opportunities for personal development.
None of us are ever too old to try new things and learn new skills.
FASTT hopes to develop and market horticulture and craft products and
services. Staff members will be important teammates and all
talents and abilities will be encouraged. By drawing on and celebrating
all members' contributions, FASTT hopes to in turn become a vital part of
the larger community of Southern Illinois.
|