November 30, 2004

Bowling Green, Ky. - Seven businesses and organizations will be honored tonight through the Alliance Awards, presented by the Kelly Autism Program at Western Kentucky University.

According to John Kelly, who, along with his wife, Linda, made the initial gift of funding for the program, the Alliance Awards are presented to businesses and organizations in the community who participate in the transition to work program for the Kelly Autism Program (KAP).

The recipients are: Hillvue Heights Church; Houchens Industries, Inc.; Jackson's Orchard and Nursery; Leichhardt Landscape Company, Inc.; Lowe's of BG; Mariah's Restaurant; and Western Kentucky Active Day Center.

"KAP services a need in our community to help those with autism to reach their full potential as individuals and citizens," Kelly said. "With the help of an increasing number of concerned and cooperative companies in Bowling Green, we have been able to partner individuals into a work environment that enhances their self-esteem and independence. The partners receiving the Alliance Awards this year have allowed these young adults that very important opportunity, and we appreciate their generous support."

The Kellys, whose daughter has been diagnosed with autism, have also recently made a commitment of an additional $100,000 over two years to continue funding for the KAP for another two years. The family's initial gift of $150,000 provided funding for the program's first three years. "Our family is committed to the KAP and its goals," Kelly said. "Financial stability is critical to its long term success, and we are pleased to extend out financial support to ensure the program will flourish."

Dr. John Bonaguro, WKU's dean of the College of Health and Human Services, said: "The Kelly Autism Program is about making a difference, and John and Linda Kelly are doing exactly that. Their generosity has made it possible for us to provide valuable services for children and young adults with autism while at the same time expanding educational and learning opportunities for majors in Communication Disorders. Our undergraduate and graduate students are able to apply intervention strategies under the direction of our faculty so that when they enter the field as credentialed individuals, they will know how to assess and design treatment plans for individuals with autism. The Kelly Family, College of Health and Human Services, and WKU have established a great partnership."

Tom Hiles, WKU's vice president for Institutional Advancement, said: "The Kelly family helped Western envision this program and then provided the funds to start the KAP. This latest gift is an investment in ensuring the permanence of KAP. We are so grateful to the Kelly family."

For more information, contact Tom Hiles at (270) 745-6208. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.