Proud Mom to Share Son’s Inspirational Journey Thanks to Maine’s Premiere Autism Center

March 14, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Val Campagna, 207-661-6633, Valerie.compagna@mainehealth.org

Portland, ME - On March 22, Maine Behavioral Healthcare’s Glickman Lauder Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders (GLCOE) will hold a benefit with a seated dinner during An Evening of Possibility.

The benefit seeks to raise funds to purchase and install sun-shading sails for the GLCOE playground. The shades will block harmful UV rays and provide cooling shade for the students as they use and enjoy the space.

A highlight of the evening will include remarks by Kristen Gingrich of Westbrook, whose son attends the GLCOE preschool. “When my son first got his diagnosis, I thought he’s going to be lonely forever… he now has an entire classroom of friends,” said Gingrich.

MaineHealth CEO Andy Mueller will provide opening remarks, followed by Maine Behavioral Healthcare’s Board Chair Tracy Hawkins and longtime supporter Nancy Pond with the GLCOE Community Advisory Counsel.

“I am delighted to participate in this event for a great cause and to celebrate the Center’s progress since opening one and a half years ago,” said Mueller. “The Center meets an increasing need for this underserved population and represents significant progress toward fulfilling MaineHealth’s vision of working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.”

Dr. Matthew Siegel, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Developmental Disorders Service Line at Maine Behavioral Healthcare, will present highlights of the Center’s work and services from the past year.

Contributions are welcome individually or through various sponsorship packages. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $250 each. Learn more at MaineBehavioralHealthcare.org/Shine.

The GLCOE opened in August 2021 and includes child and adult outpatient clinics; preschool and early intervention in-home services; and child day treatment, paired with clinical research and provider training. Learn more about the Center at MaineBehavioralHealthcare.org/coe.

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About Maine Behavioral Healthcare
As part of the MaineHealth system, Maine Behavioral Healthcare (MBH) is a not-for-profit organization serving more than 20,000 children, adolescents and adults at over 30 locations throughout southern, western, and mid-coast Maine, providing a continuum of coordinated mental healthcare from outpatient community offices to inpatient acute care at Spring Harbor Hospital. Learn more at www.mainebehavioralhealthcare.org.