Picnic slated for families of autistic children

Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) will hold its fifth annual free family picnic June 18 at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, from noon to 4 p.m.

The free day of rides, food and entertainment in a safe environment is open to all children with developmental disabilities and their families. POAC volunteers provide a safe haven for all the children so that the whole family can enjoy the day.

The food will again be provided for free by Caffrey’s Tavern Steakhouse in Forked River, and local businesses have been solicited to help partially finance the event. Washington Mutual Bank is a new sponsor, supplying more than 30 volunteers to help support the core group that has put on the event in years past. Buster, the Lakewood BlueClaws mascot, will be on hand at noon to entertain the youngsters, along with clowns, other mascots and a disc jockey.

POAC is a nonprofit organization founded in Brick Township that assists children with autism and their families by providing training to parents and teachers. By conveying the teaching methods of verbal behavior analysis, POAC has been able to help children grow in their own districts. POAC currently provides training in New Jersey and has helped start POAC chapters in seven other states as well as in Brazil and Ireland.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to help keep the event free. For more information, call Geoff Dubrowsky, POAC’s director of development, (732) 888-1000.