Families Dealing with Autism Eligible for State Grant

State Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong) yesterday announced the availability of mini-grants to support children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.          

The grants are provided by the Bureau of Autism Services within the Department of Public Welfare. The maximum mini-grant is $500, and can be used for the following services anytime between March 1 and August 31 for grant applicants of any age.                 

-         Respite care.

-         Summer camp programs.

-         Autism or advocacy-related conferences, workshops or training opportunities.

-         Recreational or community programs.

-         Safety modifications or adaptations for home and/or community integration.                

For applicants age 18 and older, grants can be used to help pay for college-level coursework, personal job coaching, and public transportation to support group meetings or organized social activities.                 

Applicants must be completed by Pennsylvania residents who have the disorder or have a family member with such, and must not be currently receiving or previously received or enrolled in any family support services for the past year.

Applications must be submitted by mail by April 15.

Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and awardees will be notified by mail beginning in mid-May through the end of June.  For additional information on the mini-grant program or for an application, visit JeffPyle.net.

New Kensington Police Seek Armed Robber

New Kensington Police crews are seeking help tracking a suspected armed robber that struck yesterday.

The incident happened at approximately 8PM in the CVS Pharmacy when a white male, described as 6-feet and 2-or-3 inches tall threatened a clerk and took prescription oxycodone and opana pills.

The male is said to be wearing a LSW blue hooded sweatshirt with grey sweatpants, black tennis shoes and a baseball cap with a yellow bill. He is to have dark facial hair, brown eyes and weigh between 180-200 pounds.

The male escaped in a white Buick that had a Pennsylvania license plate and that was driven by a white female.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 9-1-1 or District 9 Police.