ARISE Staff Honored with Achievement Award
Each year, Families for Effective Autism Treatment of CNY (FEAT CNY) recognizes a person or family whose actions exemplify their goal of pioneering in the fight to build a better future for children with Autism.
The brain child of one of FEAT’s founders, Bobbi Rogers, the recognition is called the Adams Award for Family Achievement. This year, the information submitted nominating Shirley Jeffers Hurlburt caught the eye of the award review committee.
Hurlburt, a Service Coordinator who works with ARISE Child and Family Service, received a glowing nomination that praised her for her innovative ideas. FEAT board member Bobbi Rogers noted that “Shirley has added a different perspective to the Autism community by educating the field about the similarities between Autism and Rett Syndrome.”
When asked her feelings about receiving the award, Hurlburt gets emotional, saying, “This award is so meaningful to me because the families who have children living with Autism are my heart, and their children are part of my soul.”
Hurlburt’s little brother was born with brain damage, cerebral palsy, and other medical conditions and she lost him when she was young. While her childhood dream was to work with children like her brother, it wasn’t until her own daughter was diagnosed with a developmental disorder that Hurlburt revisited her life’s dream and entered the human service field. At ARISE, Hurlburt coordinates services that allow individuals with disabilities to live independently at home in their community.
A member of FEAT since its early beginnings, Hurlburt sat on its board for years, often keeping up with the rigors of holding an office. She recently stepped down from this role to give herself time to take on a new venture: becoming a Family Advisory Board member of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation.
In addition to being an innovator and helping bridge gaps in knowledge about Rett Syndrome, Hurlburt has spent countless hours volunteering for FEAT, participating in Partners in Policymaking, and stepping up to be the first volunteer for the Autism Fun Day party. She remains attached to the group, a non-profit organization that supports families of children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders, through her relationships with its members and the families she refers to FEAT.
Hurlburt’s thoughts about the award say it all. “Finding Bobbi and FEAT was a life changing experience. Bobbi’s energy and dedication to FEAT is amazing to watch and be a part of. She should have received this award rather than creating it for others to receive.”
It appears Hurlburt’s selflessness extends to all areas of her life.