F&M Trust Supports Autism Awareness During Event’s 10th Anniversary

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – More than 250 employees of F&M Trust recently spent an afternoon learning about autism, with a focus on experiences relevant to autistic children. As part of the event, employees packed backpacks with items intended to support and comfort autistic children. The completed backpacks will be donated to the Laurel Hall School and other local organizations that serve autistic children and their families.

Through interactive activities, F&M Trust employees explored how autistic people may process information and experience their surroundings differently. The activities were not intended to simulate autism or suggest that every autistic child experiences the world in the same way. Instead, each challenge introduced concepts that helped participants better understand the nature of autism and differences in sensory processing, understanding others, and communication. Kyle Ducey, a parent of a child with autism and a healthcare provider, addressed the bank’s employees offering a personal perspective on the importance of empathy and understanding.

“Being both a parent of a child with autism and a healthcare provider has given me a deeper understanding of the journey families experience,” said Kyle Ducey, MSN, CPNP-PC, of Keystone Pediatrics in Chambersburg. “It allows me to support them with not only clinical expertise, but also empathy, understanding, and hope.”

This event marked the bank’s annual observance of Banktoberfest, which since its inception in 2016, has emphasized team building, exceeding expectations and community service. Previous events included projects that contributed to environmental conservation efforts, benefiting area food pantries, providing essentials for local at-risk veterans, and supporting foster care agencies and first responders.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Banktoberfest and the bank’s 120th anniversary, this year’s focus on autism awareness reflects our longstanding commitment to understanding and supporting the communities we serve,” said Chad Carroll, President and COO of F&M Trust.

“Bringing our employees together to learn, serve, and make a meaningful difference is an important part of who we are as a community bank.”

The Laurel Hall School is a non-public special education school serving students ages 5 – 21 with emotional disabilities, autism, and multiple support needs. The school provides highly structured, individualized education and support based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), with an emphasis on academic, social, and emotional growth. A representative from the school attended the event to provide a brief overview of their programs and how the backpacks will be used.

“Many of our students have autism, sensory needs, limited communication skills, and have to take long bus rides, so items like these can provide meaningful support,” said Cindy Myers, principal of Laurel Hall School’s Frederick, Maryland, location. “We are grateful to team up with F&M Trust and accept these generous gifts, which will make a tremendous impact for our students and school community.”

F&M Trust partnered with Best Corporate Events & Teambuilding®, an organization that specializes in charitable team-building activities, to facilitate the event. The Laurel Hall Schools are programs of Brook Lane, an affiliate of Meritus Health.

About F&M Trust: A subsidiary of Franklin Financial Services Corp., F&M Trust is an independent community bank headquartered in Chambersburg. With $2.3 billion in assets, F&M Trust has 22 community-banking locations in Franklin, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fulton, and Huntingdon Counties in Pennsylvania, and in Washington County, Maryland. Please visit fmtrust.bank for more information.