Aimee Levesque

That's why Ken-Ton SEPTSA President Aimee Levesque started the agency fair, to sift through the often technical information and put parents in touch with the local groups that provide the services they desperately need.

The group has more than 85 agencies participating in the fair, swelling its ranks and providing an up close and personal look at what's out there to help these children thrive.

"The gathering is a free community event for special needs children and their families, as well as for educational administrators and professionals in Ken-Ton and all across Western New York," Levesque said.

In addition to the informational booth setup of last year, Levesque has expanded the fair to offer more than 20 workshops to teach through doing. Those in the booths are there to explain the help they can provide to the community and include attorneys, mental health organizations and providers of recreational, social and therapeutic services.

Other organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club and various athletic groups, are there to make sure the young students are strengthening their bodies along with their minds. Once the idea got off the ground its first year, Levesque applied for the National Healthy Lifestyles grant provided by the National PTA and was awarded $500.

Aimee Levesque, SEPTSA President

On Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 at 6PM - at Wegman's Cafe on Alberta Drive, Ken-Ton SEPTSA will be voting for 2009-2010  Officers.  Below is a list of those who have submitted their name for membership consideration.  If you would like to add your name to be considered for any office/position, please email kentonseptsa@gmail.com or call Aimee at 876-3019.
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Treasurer - Aimee Levesque
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Fundraising Chairpersons - Lisa Finn and Aimee Levesque

President: Aimee Levesque @ 876-3019Vice-President: Rosann Brecher @ 875-4985

The Ken-Ton Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association is trying to do something about that, bringing agencies from all over Western New York together at Hoover Elementary School for the First Annual Northtowns Family Agency Fair, said President Aimee Levesque.

"We have well over 80 organizations at this point," Levesque said.
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After the idea got off the ground, Levesque applied for the newly created National Healthy Lifestyles grant provided by the National PTA.The group received the grant for $500, which helps cover costs and keeps the event free to the public, Levesque said.

While the event is geared toward special needs services, there are plenty of organizations that have activities and programs for both regular education and special education children, Brecher said.

"We'll have the Boys and Girls Club, Boy and Girl Scouts and athletic organizations there," Brecher said."A lot of those places do double duty, providing services to both groups."

Kenmore police will be on hand for child safety seat inspections and the Town of Tonawanda's police will be getting the word out about their DARE program, Levesque said.
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Information has gone out to invite schools from neighboring districts to participate and with the grant and volunteer support, the event will be repeated next year, Levesque said.

"When I first got involved, my main goal was that if I could help one person get through having special needs and not have to run all over the place to get help, that's what I want to do," Levesque said.

Aimee Levesque

Contact - kentonseptsa@gmail.comorTreasurer@kentonseptsa.com

The current President is Aimee Levesque, Vice President is currently an open position, Secretary Roxanne Golde, Treasurer and Fundraising Chair Karen Philips-Proy, Ken-Ton PTSA Council Representatives are Donette Darrow and Lynette Hameister, Membership and Publicity Chair Bev Browning.