FOCUS Center for Autism

FOCUS Center for Autism Because the “creatively wired and socially challenged” should not have to go it alone.

We are thinking back on the holiday season and some activities we have not yet shared about a few of our residents.A few...
01/12/2026

We are thinking back on the holiday season and some activities we have not yet shared about a few of our residents.

A few of our residents from Washington House, our Therapeutic Supportive Housing Program, got into the holiday spirit by making gingerbread houses which they were excited to do. What started as a relaxed creative outlet quickly turned into a fun and friendly competition, with each person putting their own spin on their design. There was no shortage of icing, candy, or creativity, and it was great to see the guys focused, laughing, helping one another, and proudly showing off their finished houses.

Moments like these really highlight the importance of getting out into the community and creating opportunities to slow down, connect, and enjoy something different together. These activities continue to be something everyone looks forward to, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch the group unwind, build stronger connections, and make meaningful memories—especially during the holiday season.

FOCUS Center for Autism is proud to highlight board member and Granby Citizen of the Year Craig Ellis; a painter whose w...
01/09/2026

FOCUS Center for Autism is proud to highlight board member and Granby Citizen of the Year Craig Ellis; a painter whose work is currently on exhibit at the Granby Public Library. Craig’s artwork is created using a technique called acrylic art pouring, a process that blends creativity, movement, and a sense of discovery.

To create each piece, Craig layers different acrylic paint colors into a cup and pours them onto a surface. He then tilts the surface from side to side, allowing the paint to flow naturally and spill over the edges. Because the paint moves and interacts in unpredictable ways, no two pieces are ever the same. The final image is always a surprise — even to the artist.

Craig has been practicing acrylic art pouring for the past 6–7 years, and each artwork reflects his love for bold, bright colors and organic patterns. He finds the process both exciting and rewarding, especially because it allows creativity to unfold in unexpected ways.

Visitors are invited to stop by the Granby Public Library to experience Craig’s vibrant, one-of-a-kind artwork and celebrate the creative talents within the FOCUS Center for Autism community.

A few of the guys from Shannon House got to play in their first basketball game of the season on Monday. They did great ...
01/07/2026

A few of the guys from Shannon House got to play in their first basketball game of the season on Monday. They did great and both their teams won. It is so wonderful to see them out in the community and thriving!

Can you tell by the smiles that we're happy to be back? Looking forward to a great 2026 at the Fresh Start School!
01/05/2026

Can you tell by the smiles that we're happy to be back? Looking forward to a great 2026 at the Fresh Start School!

Our staff party was snowed out but we were able to come together during our week off to celebrate and appreciate each ot...
01/02/2026

Our staff party was snowed out but we were able to come together during our week off to celebrate and appreciate each other. Secret Santa gifts were funny, thoughtful and being together is the best! Looking forward to our students returning next week!

Happy New Year from everyone at FOCUS!
12/31/2025

Happy New Year from everyone at FOCUS!

Happy Holidays!The FOCUS Adult Support Services Program is at the Fresh Start School Annex at 200 Albany Turnpike (Rt.44...
12/29/2025

Happy Holidays!

The FOCUS Adult Support Services Program is at the Fresh Start School Annex at 200 Albany Turnpike (Rt.44) while school is on vacation. We've set up a little craft fair and tag sale to benefit our program! We will be open the following hours:

Tuesday, 12/30/25 10:00am-4:00pm
Wednesday, 12/31/25 10:00am-4:00pm
Friday, 1/2/26 10:00am-4:00pm

Please stop by our store and stay for free coffee and cookies! Of course, students, residents, family and friends are invited as well as staff!

This past Wednesday marked 18 years that the guys have been going to Donna and Fred's house for Christmas Eve; except fo...
12/26/2025

This past Wednesday marked 18 years that the guys have been going to Donna and Fred's house for Christmas Eve; except for 2020 when they packed up the critters and went to them. Several of the guys have been coming since the beginning and alums join when they can. The tradition is good food, lots of love and good will, stockings and letters from Santa followed by Appreciations and Klondike Bars.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ❤️🎄

Happy Holidays from everyone at FOCUS
12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from everyone at FOCUS

Today, the Students at Fresh Start School had the opportunity to deliver the cookies that they have been working on. Lik...
12/22/2025

Today, the Students at Fresh Start School had the opportunity to deliver the cookies that they have been working on. Like FOCUS Elves, over the past few weeks to the many businesses and community members that support our school and the many FOCUS programs throughout the year! Those who received our cookies were thrilled, and our students had the opportunity to express their appreciation for the support that others give to help to improve their lives and learning.

To help get us into the holiday spirit, this week was Spirit Week at The Fresh Start School. Students showed up in holid...
12/19/2025

To help get us into the holiday spirit, this week was Spirit Week at The Fresh Start School. Students showed up in holiday hats, ugly sweaters, flannel, and took part in fun activities throughout the week. Along the way, we also learned about different ways people celebrate the holidays through lessons and games—our middle schoolers even learned how to play dreidel. Overall, it was a really nice week of learning and celebrating together!

Yesterday, some of our students got a special treat! While at their job placement at the Avon Senior Center, one of the ...
12/17/2025

Yesterday, some of our students got a special treat! While at their job placement at the Avon Senior Center, one of the volunteers’ parents brought in potato pancakes to celebrate Hanukkah, and our students had the chance to try them. One student took the idea of a potato “pancake” quite literally and topped his with syrup and chocolate 😅.

Moments like these are a great reminder of the importance of community and shared experiences. Being part of a diverse environment allows students to learn about and appreciate different traditions, ask questions, and connect with others.

Address

Canton, CT

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 2:45pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 2:45pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 2:45pm
3pm - 6pm
Thursday 8:15am - 1pm
Friday 8:15am - 2:45pm

Telephone

+18606938809

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when FOCUS Center for Autism posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram