Ocean Branch Shows Up for Team Charles

A game of “Guess How Many Spiders Are in the Bowl” (a fan favorite), face-painting, plenty of snacks and sweet treats, and one very meaningful reason to walk. That was how the day was spent by the Western Pest Services Ocean Branch who came together to support not only the Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) Walk to support autistic children and their families, but as well as support a cause close to one of their own.

Every year POAC hosts their Autism Walk for A Difference throughout the summer season to raise awareness and funds to support children and adults with autism. What has become somewhat of a tradition, the Ocean Branch and its team participated in the Lakewood, NJ walk. They also held a booth at the ShoreTown Ballpark where they could engage with members of the organization and members of the community who came out to help the fundraiser and get in on the fun.

For Evangelia “Litsa” Wood, the event is deeply personal. “When my son Charlie was 6 years old, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is now called High Functioning Autism.” she said, adding, “that is when I added a new title to my name: Advocate.” What started as a mission to support her son, grew into a passion for helping other families feel seen, understood, and supported as they navigate similar diagnoses.

Branch Manager Sean Yunginger said the event is something they have participated in for a few years now but it’s more than that. He said the team is “always happy to support our very own Litsa who is an avid supporter and leader in her community for Autism awareness. We are proud to walk to support her son Charles.” This year, Sean, Evangelia “Litsa” Wood and her family, Mary Manning, and friends, and the branch’s beloved annual face painter all showed up to support Team Charles.

We all think Litsa embodies what it means to be remarkable by turning her personal experience into one with purpose. She took the step to be essential together by inviting her branch to stand beside her family and the autism community. “I have been with Western for 9 years now. A few years ago, I asked if my local branch would like to support my family and our community by sponsoring the POAC Walk for a Difference,” Litsa shared. “They said yes and have been a huge supportor ever since. It means more to me than I can truly express.”

Today, Charlie is 22, has held the same job for over four years, drives, and serves on the media team at his church. Litsa said POAC stands out because it focuses on supporting people with autism, their families, and first responders. “I don’t want my son cured; I want him loved, accepted, understood and supported for exactly who God created him to be.”

Sean and the rest of the Ocean Branch were honored to get involved because “as a family, we support each other.” That spirit is what being essential together is all about. By supporting POAC, the Ocean Branch continued to be remarkable and made a big impact on the community and the people in it. Great job, everyone. We’re proud you’re part of the team.

For more information about POAC, visit their website.