Support Groups

Central Illinois Young Adult Group

GRASP Central IL is a new, peer-run support group for young adults ages 16+ * with Asperger’s Syndrome, Higher Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Nonverbal Learning Disability. This group is based in Champaign-Urbana, IL.

Contact and Meeting Times: Please see the GRASP calendar for details on upcoming meetings. Meeting are generally held the second Tuesday of each month, from 7pm - 8:45. Contact our facilitator, Ata Bird (atalece@gmail.com) with any questions.

Location: Champaign Public Library, 200 W. Green Street, Champaign IL, 61821. For information on the room we will be in each week (it may vary due to availability), and a map, go to www.cu-as.org/events.html.

Membership information is kept through the main GRASP office, so you must subscribe before you can attend.  All Membership information is kept confidential.

*All attendees under the age of 18 must be signed into the meeting by a parent or guardian.

Public Transportation Directions
We recommend taking the 5W Green bus to get to the library. The 4W Blue also goes there, but not as frequently. To figure out which buses to take and where to catch them, use the trip planner at www.cumtd.com

Cycling
If you cycle, then it is a good idea to download the Champaign-Urbana Bike Map from http://www.cumtd.com/walkbike/Default.aspx

Taking John Street to Randolph, and then taking Randolph north to Clara Lane is a pretty good route.

Parking
Parking is Free

Driving Directions
Please note that the Library is on Green Street, but to access the parking lot you will need to drive on one of the streets to either side of it, State Street or Randolph Street. State Street is a one way street heading south, and Randolph Street is a one way street heading north. From either street you will turn into the parking lot by turning left from the left lane of the street onto Clara Lane in front of the Library. If you are coming from the north, looking for the intersection of Healey Street and State Street because you will turn into the library shortly after that.

From the North on I-57 or West on I-72
Go South/East until you arrive at the I-57/I-72 cloverleaf. Head south on I-57 S and take exit 235A to merge onto I-72 E in the direction of University Ave. Continue on University Ave. Turn right onto Mattis Ave, and then turn left onto Springfield Ave. Stay on Springfield for about 1.5 miles. Then turn right onto State Street. Follow State Street South and the library will be on your left. Turn onto the library’s Clara Lane to access the parking lot.

From the South West
Depending on location, either take I-57 north (there is an exit off of Curtis Road onto I-57), or take Windsor Road east Neil Street. Turn left onto Neil Street and head north on Neil until you reach John Street, turn left onto William Street (Going north, William Street is the next street after Charles Street). Turn right onto Randolph Street. Get into the left lane of Randolph Street and then turn left onto the library’s Clara Lane to access the parking lot.

From the West on I-74
Take I-74 West to Exit 182 for Neil Street. Keep left and head south on Neil Street. Turn right onto Healey Street, and then turn left onto State Street, and then turn left onto the library’s Clara Lane.

From the South East
Head north (e.g. on High Cross Road or Philo Road) until you read University Ave and turn left onto University Ave. Follow University Ave. downtown and turn left onto State Street. Get into the left lane on State Street and follow State Street South until you see the library (soon after the intersection of State and Healey) and then turn left onto the library’s Clara Lane to access the parking lot.

From the South
Take US-45 (Dunlap Ave/Neil Street) north to Healey Ave and turn left onto William Street Going north (William Street is the next street after Charles Street). Turn right onto Randolph Ave, and then get in the left lane of Randolph Ave. Turn left onto the library’s Clara Lane to access the parking lot.


Cost: All GRASP groups are absolutely FREE to attend. However, GRASP survives on funding from foundations, corporations, and generous individuals. If you wish to donate to GRASP, we would gratefully appreciate it (and we’re almost certain to need it). You can make a tax-deductible donation with a credit card via our DONATE page or mail your check made out to GRASP to: GRASP, 666 Broadway, Suite 830, New York, NY 10012

GRASP Support Group Removal Policy
(out of over 5000 people, we've luckily only had to use this 7 times.
But there'll be more— we are vulnerable by design as we do not demand that everyone bring often-expensive proof of diagnosis)