Students with autism – and school staff supporting them – are benefiting this spring from a $13,596 grant from The Fabulous Find in Kittery, Maine. The grant will help underwrite The Birchtree Center’s autism programs, including an admission-free workshop for school staff on April 19 at the nonprofit’s facility in Portsmouth.

The Fabulous Find is a resale boutique that contributes all its proceeds to local charities. In its 11 years, the nonprofit organization has granted over $2.3 million to more than 150 beneficiaries. The Fabulous Find chose to grant their March proceeds to local autism organizations in memory of their former board secretary, Phyllis Welch. “Autism and developmental disabilities were issues that she cared about very much,” said board president Marcye Philbrook.

The organization’s grant to The Birchtree Center will help underwrite an admission-free workshop on April 19 for paraeducators and other school staff. Birchtree’s behavior specialists will discuss strategies to address challenging student behaviors at school. The workshop runs from 4-5:30 p.m. at Birchtree’s facility at 315 Commerce Way in Portsmouth. Reservations are recommended but not required and can be made by calling 603-433-4192 or by visiting birchtreecenter.org/workshop.

“We’re thrilled to receive this incredible gift from The Fabulous Find,” said Sandra Pierce-Jordan, executive director at The Birchtree Center. Pierce-Jordan said the grant will help pay for gas this spring and summer, allowing its students with autism to travel with their instructors for hands-on learning at local businesses and organizations. “This kind of community support allows our students to enjoy full and productive lives,” she said.