Let's go Bruins! Thank you Charisma for shining a light on the important work ARI is doing to advance autism research and education.

Harmony Theater is an organization focused on performing arts for people with disabilities based in southeastern PA. 

Harmony Theater

Autism Empowerment is a neurodivergent-led nonprofit devoted to helping youth and adults  worldwide lead awesome meaningful lives!

**Autism Empowerment** is a passionate nonprofit organization led by individuals with lived experience. We are devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of autistic and neurodivergent youth, adults, and their families. We promote a culture of Autism Acceptance and believe every one of us has gifts and strengths to share with the world.

Through our enriching and empowering service-oriented programs like [Spectrum Life Magazine](https://www.spectrumlife.org), Autism Serves: Helping Hands, Autism Empowerment Cares and AWEtism We Embrace, we promote Autism Acceptance, Inclusion, and Advocacy for today's world and the future.

Come join us as an Ambassador for Acceptance of All Abilities! Be a meaningful part of helping create a world where people of all abilities are embraced! Your donations directly support programs that inspire and uplift our community members.

Thank you for your generosity and for being a part of positively changing our world!

Autism Empowerment

Headquartered in New York City, Aspies For Social Success, AFSS is a peer-run organization that provides support and social groups, as well as cultural events, to adults 18...

Headquartered in New York City, Aspies For Social Success, AFSS is a peer-run organization that provides support and social groups, as well as cultural events, to adults 18 and over who have either been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), believe they might be on the Autism Spectrum, or who for other reason have difficulty with social communication, sensory processing, or executive functioning. AFSS is working to build a more inclusive community for individuals who otherwise may not have many opportunities or be able to find others with whom to socialize. We do not charge our members any fees, and our income comes exclusively from fundraising.

**The Problem**

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1 in 68 individuals in the U.S. is somewhere on the autism spectrum. Because adulthood constitutes most of the human lifespan, the majority of these individuals are adults. In New York City, where AFSS is based, this corresponds to a population of nearly 100,000, with closer to 200,000 in the Greater New York area, most of which have not yet been identified. A common misconception is that individuals with autism prefer to be isolated and are not interested in either friendships or romantic relationships; in fact, for most adults, nothing could be farther from the truth. Consequently, there is a need for venues where adults on the spectrum can meet others who live with the same challenges, discuss and share the difficulties that they face in various aspects of their lives in a supportive environment, and be able to simply socialize with people who perceive and interact with the world in a manner similar to their own. Also, even though unemployment statistics for autistic adults are greatly overestimated (roughly half of AFSS group members are employed at some level), they are still higher than for any other disability. As such, many will not be able to afford the kinds of group and cultural activities that AFSS is working to provide. These costs can only be met through outside contributions and donations.
 
**Our Approach**

AFSS support groups, currently held in rented venues, allow members to discuss issues of concern to them in a group setting among other adults living with similar challenges. Each meeting starts with a specific theme chosen by the group. Past themes have included community, relationships, dating, isolation, and employment-related difficulties. For example, we have had discussions on what it means to be part of a community and on what an ideal community would be like. We then allow the conversation to evolve during the session, allowing members to relate their own personal stories to the group.
  
AFSS social groups encourage members to go out in public with others like them and to feel more a part of and accepted in a community, and meet at different restaurants and locations throughout the New York City area. This also provides an opportunity for the greater community to see that we are no different from anyone else and fully capable of participating in society in spite of our minor differences. These groups provide a sense of community for individuals who otherwise may not have many suitable opportunities to socialize, as well as somewhere to go, on a regular basis, with a relaxed, comfortable, judgment-free atmosphere where people can be themselves amongst others sharing similar difficulties and interests. 
  
AFSS cultural events provide opportunities for our groups to attend a variety of artistic, scientific, and cultural events. These take place in museums, galleries, exhibitions, theaters, and other venues throughout the NYC area.
 
**Our team**

**AFSS Leadership**
  
**Stephen Katz**, Program Director AFSS
  
*Stephen Katz facilitates a variety of support, social and cultural groups for adults with Asperger’s syndrome, along with those who are on the autism spectrum. In the past, this has included the GRASP Manhattan support group in New York City. He has also worked on a variety of projects for GRASP; including, “Persons on the Autism Spectrum in Their Communities of Faith”, a ground breaking seminar, moderated by GRASP founder, Michael John Carley.*
  
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
  
**AFSS Advisory Board**
  
 

- Karl Wittig, P.E. 
- Irma Jacqueline Ozer, Ph.D./ J.D. 
- Brian R. C. Kinghorn, M. Phil. 
- Jonas, Arnaldo, Founder of AFSS 
- Tim Itschner
 
**Contact information** 

Stephen Katz
[aspiesforsocialsuccess@gmail.com](mailto:aspiesforsocialsuccess@gmail.com) 
(917) 842-4984

Aspies For Social Success, AFSS

 We are dedicated to enhancing our community through emergency financial aid, scholarships, and humanitarian initiatives.

Madison Alfano, an effervescent 18-year-old, met a tragic fate when she succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on the Garden State Parkway, just 12 minutes from her Staten Island home. Returning from her job at Monmouth University, Madison was known for her compassionate spirit and dedication to community service. Throughout high school, she actively volunteered her time, at beach clean-ups and clothing drives, etc. showcasing her unwavering commitment to helping others. Her aspirations extended to volunteering at pet shelters, reflecting her deep empathy for animals. In honor of Madison’s legacy and her selfless desire to make a difference, this Foundation was established to continue her altruistic endeavors and positively impact the lives of others, embodying the kindness and generosity she exemplified.

Madison Rochelle Alfano Foundation Inc

Celebrate with a cake is bakes and delivers personalized cakes to foster care kids and to kids with disabilities.  

**Celebrate with a cake is powered with a group of volunteers that bakes and delivers personalized cakes to foster care kids and to kids with disabilities.  We try to reach kids and their care givers to create a memory that is personalized to the likes of the child which can make a huge difference in a child's self-esteem and confidence level.**  



 **For Some kids Birthdays are overlooked!!**

[](https://www.celebratewithacake.org/#h.3f4tphhd9pn8) **Our Mission** 

***Our mission is to create a world that everyone is celebrated.***




**Celebrate with a cake wants to empower youth and their caregivers to make their lifestyle situations more encouraging to help aid in youth success while building a healthier community.  Providing a celebratory cake made for them gives them confidence an optimism about the socioeconomic situations that they face.** 



**Our mission focuses on creating custom cakes for children that will provide a temporary escape from worry for their caregiver and themself which will create positive memories. Creating memories lingers for the child and the caregiver.** 

Celebrate With A Cake

**Every child deserves the chance to thrive.**
In Malawi, 1 in 18 children has a disability — yet most never receive the care or support they need. At Fount for Nations, we believe every child is whole, worthy, and full of potential.

Your gift helps us:

- **Screen children early** so delays are caught and treated.
- **Provide therapy & care** through our Family Centre and community programs.
- **Empower families & champions** to advocate for inclusion.

Together, we’re building a Malawi where every child is seen, supported, and included.

*Your donation doesn’t just fund programs — it changes a child’s story.*

Fount for Nations (FFN)

Empowering individuals to THRIVE in Silicon Vallley

We empower individuals facing economic hardship to achieve employment, financial independence, and renewed self-worth. Through workforce development, career and technical training, and environmental initiatives, we help people gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. Our holistic approach addresses each participant’s unique challenges through personalized case management and strong community partnerships.

Goodwill of Silicon Valley

Nonprofit organization dedicated to inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the Muslim community of Houston

Dar-us-Sakina is a safe space for people of all abilities and their caregivers.  We inspire the community to abandon stigmas and embrace individuals with disabilities with empathy and respect.  Together, we are better!

We are dedicated to providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities, while empowering the affected and their caregivers with social support and access to local resources.  We envision a Muslim community where individuals with disabilities are fully accepted and included, and both they and their caregivers have adequate access to support.

Dar-us-Sakina offers its services to all special needs individuals and their caregivers within the Houston community, but reserves its Zakat fund for Muslim families who are in financial need or crisis. Our mission is achieved through three key service areas: Education, Support, and Community Awareness.

Education:

Special Needs Weekend Islamic School Programs: At four locations across Houston, children with special needs come weekly to the masjid to learn about their faith using an adapted curriculum and to be included in the community.

Teen Adult Program (TAP): This program helps individuals with special needs take the first step to adulthood by teaching them independent life skills in a supportive social environment.

Support:

Caregiver Support Groups: This allows mothers, fathers, and siblings of individuals with special needs to connect with others with similar life circumstances.

Events: From inclusive family events that make all accommodations to caregiver training events, Dar-us-Sakina engages the local special needs population on a monthly basis.

Zakat Services: For special needs families in crisis, we are committed to providing comprehensive support through our Zakat Fund, including funding of emergency respite care, counseling, necessary evaluations, advocacy and durable medical equipment.

Community Awareness:

Youth Inclusion Training: We visit local Islamic schools, masaajid, and Scouts to train typical youth on accepting and including their brothers and sisters with disabilities.

Community Education: We conduct awareness events and workshops to educate the general community on disability awareness and early childhood intervention.

Sakina Internship: This is a one year commitment for college age students who dedicate one day of the week serving individuals with special needs while learning about related topics.

Volunteer Enrichment Program: This is a volunteer buddy program for High School students.

Dar-us-Sakina

Mannam Christian Church belongs to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). YOUR place to shine is an expression of the MCC. 

The core ministry of the MCC is expressing what the church is. 

The first dimension of the church lies on brand new messages: HEART (Hold the memory. Embrace voices. Address the now. Rewrite the story. Tell the truth.) - www.heart2life.org

The second one is along with communites: ECO (Everyone is welcome. Come to the table. Open today's heaven.) - www.mannamcc.org

Finally, YOUR place to shine, a non-profit, is an expression of what the church is in the midst of the world today. YOUR place to shine is dedicated to spreading the transformative view, neurodiversity: YOUR (YOU belong! Outspoken openness. United uniqueness. Reciprocal resilience.) - www.yourplace2shine.org

YOUR place to shine: 
GROW uniquely (learning mutually). 
CONNECT minds (networking each other). 
LIVE united (supporting one another).

Grant will go for the youth leadership training, together we shine event, community book circle, and so on. Also, we are preparing the future fund: scholarship, job creating, and start-ups for neurodivergent friends.

We will passionately follow the identity of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): 
We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. 

Mannam Christian Church (YOUR place to shine)

Providing community-based rehabilitation, wheelchairs & inclusive education for children with disabilities living in Uganda
 


Kyaninga Child Development Centre (KCDC) was founded in 2014 to provide much needed, high quality, specialized and affordable therapy and rehabilitation to children with disabilities and their families and carers in western Uganda in order to enable them to lead more independent lives.  The Inclusive Education Hub provides professional development for teachers in Inclusive, child-led teaching practices and the Mobility workshop designs, develops and manufactures wheelchairs using locally available materials, suitable for the local terrain.

In addition to this, KCDC acts as a platform for education and support in the field of disability, offering training as well as guidance on best-practice methods to both individuals and healthcare professionals as well as communities and other institutions requiring assistance.

Kyaninga Child Development Centre 

ARI works to advance the health of autistic people through biomedical research and free education.

Established in 1967 by psychologist and renowned father of modern autism research Dr. Bernard Rimland, ARI continues to pioneer in research, outreach, and cooperative efforts with other organizations worldwide. ARI advocates for the rights of autistic people and operates without funding from special-interest groups.

Connecting investigators, professionals, parents, and autistic people worldwide is essential for effective advocacy. Our continued work focuses on education while funding and supporting research on genetics, neurology, co-occurring medical conditions, nutrition, sensory processing, severe and challenging behaviors, and adult and senior issues. ARI is committed to pushing the boundaries of autism understanding, providing practitioners with current research, creating accessible resources for everyone, and advocating for the best possible care for autistic individuals and their loved ones.

- In January of 2023, the Autism Research Institute’s [National Autism History Museum](https://autism.org/visiting-aris-national-autism-history-museum/) officially opened its doors. The museum offers an engaging and comprehensive look at the prolific history of autism research and discovery. Its interactive exhibits highlight prominent autistic figures and underscore critical moments in the evolution of autism research. Leading researchers from many areas are collaborating with ARI to curate a collection of historical artifacts. The museum promises to be a valuable resource in increasing autism acceptance and understanding.

Research

- ARI awarded more than $400,000 in grants to scientists whose work will have a direct impact on the lives of those on the autism spectrum. The funds supported research in immune, gastrointestinal, metabolic, neurologic, and sensory issues. [View ARI’s 2023 Research Grant Recipients](https://autism.org/ari-funded-research-studies-2023/)
- **Robert L. Hendren Research Grant Award**
*Inaugural Recipients – 2023*
Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom, MD
Ed Levin, PhDIn honor of his many years of support for our work, serving as a member of ARI’s Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Directors, the top-scoring research grant proposals funded each year are now recognized as Robert L. Hendren Research Grant Award recipients.
- [ARI’s annual in-person Think Tanks](https://autism.org/ari-scientific-think-tanks/) occurred during Autism Awareness Month last April, convening researchers
and clinicians to discuss emerging findings about autism.
- ARI held its annual online scientific meeting in October 2023. This international conference featured live presentations and discussions to provide researchers with updates on metabolic issues, co-occurring gastrointestinal conditions, and genetics.
- ARI continues to develop a [global research network](https://autism.org/aris-global-networks/) to keep researchers up to date with the latest news in the scientific community; this includes sharing articles on conducting research, informing them of various funding sources, and notifying them of the latest studies published in peer-reviewed journals
- ARI co-sponosored “Autism and/or Intellectual Disability and Older Adults: A Think Tank Promoting Quality of Life and Health” convening autistic seniors, clinicians, researchers, and caregivers to build on previous work to advance priorities related to the quality of life and health of older adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Publications

- ARI continues to publish its quarterly science newsletter, *[Autism Research Review International (ARRI)](https://autism.org/subscribe/),* summarizing current medical, sensory, and educational research.
- [ARI’s monthly e-newsletter](https://autism.org/ari-monthly-e-newsletter/) keeps more than 145,000 subscribers up to date on new resources and the latest research.
- ARI publishes a bimonthly e-newsletter, *[Clinical Research in Autism](https://autism.org/clinical-research-e-newsletter/)*, for obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses who want to keep up to date with research relevant to their practice.

Continuing Medical Information

- ARI filmed a new series of[ continuing education](https://autism.org/cme/) talks during the fall of 2023 offering updates on co-occurring metabolic conditions frequently associated with autism.Connecting physicians to improved standards of care is crucial to amplifying understanding of the health needs of autistic people.

Online Learning

- ARI continues to host [live webinars](https://autism.org/webinars/) multiple times each month featuring top researchers and treatment professionals. In 2023, thousands of viewers registered to watch live presentations on various topics, including research updates, nutrition, behavioral support, assessment, educational therapies, adult issues, and more. One webinar each quarter (four per year) is offered in joint providership with the World Autism Organization.ARI webinars, both live and recorded, offer real-time, captioned translation support in more than 20 languages.
- Clinical webinars, aimed at guiding healthcare providers worldwide, are offered with live Q&A and simultaneous language interpretation.
- [ARI’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewrICyE_Pl9LiyCHp6GnRQ) offers free access to experts with up-to-date webcasts on medical support and educational videos, social stories, and selected talks from past conferences. Users have tuned in for more than 1 million viewings.

Outreach in the U.S.

- ARI offers a hotline for parents and professionals, who can reach a live person for information and support. [Contact Us](https://autism.org/contact/)

International Outreach

- ARI embraces a global autism community, networking with parent support groups worldwide. The network aims to improve communication among support groups and inform the international community of the current state of the science regarding the underlying biology of ASD and evidence-based treatments. To date, 230 groups have joined the network spanning 77 countries, including Argentina, Belgium, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Israel, Moldova, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
- ARI is an NGO (non-governmental organization) registered with the United Nations.
- ARI continues to translate many key articles, as well as our[Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)](https://autism.org/autism-treatment-evaluation-checklist/), into diﬀerent languages—the ATEC is now available in 25 languages online. On average, more than 150 users per day complete ARI’s ATEC.

Autism Research Institute

Whistler Adaptive Sports offers a full range of adaptive sports programs and a dynamic learning centre in Whistler, BC. Canada. 

For over 20 years, the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society has been removing barriers to adventure for people with disabilities and neurodiversity, offering a full range of adaptive sports programs and a dynamic learning centre in Whistler, BC. Canada. We currently operate in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Mount Currie. We also serve locals from across B.C. and visitors from Canada and around the world. 
 
Whistler Adaptive is committed to introducing individuals with a disability to sport, recreation and therapeutic sport programming. Whistler Adaptive supports sport for life by breaking down the financial, physical and social barriers as well as creating skills that will lead to future employment within sport and beyond. Whistler Adaptive empowers individuals through access to one of the world's best mountain resorts, providing them with the environment, support and opportunity to become physically active and focus on their abilities rather than disabilities. Programs are accessible to both children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. 

Whistler Adaptive serves locals in its community and visitors from across Canada and around the globe. All activities are run in a safe and supportive environment, allowing athletes to learn at their own pace. We pride ourselves on being able to change lives through the innovative sports programs we offer and the help we provide. Whistler Adaptive paves the way by increasing knowledge of adaptive sports through training and coaching clinics and values the consistent support that we receive from our volunteers. We seek to remove barriers to adventure and learning by training athletes with a real sense of passion. OVER 20 YEARS, 18 SPORTS PROGRAMS AND GROWING… The Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society has been in operation for over 20 years with a record 3,000+ lessons taught in 18 adaptive sports. Through generous donations, we allocate resources for equipment and volunteer training to work with a range of individuals and athletes. Alpine skiing and racing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, hiking and trail riders, hand-cycling, biking, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, swimming, triathlons, running, yoga and gymnastics are all part of Whistler Adaptive programming and our philosophies on "Grassroots to the Podium" and "Sport for Life". How we do it...The people here at Whistler Adaptive feel that sport builds socialization, leadership skills, healthy growth and development for everyone, whether they have just acquired a disability or have been active all their lives. By providing access to a vast number of sports across the winter and summer seasons, we are opening doors to endless opportunities and creating new levels of independence for individuals with disabilities. 

Whistler Adaptive Sports Program Society

148788709

1578280819

1873740264

2052641908

2088874155

We are a nonprofit, so we rely on the generosity of donors like you.

Choose a donation for Every.org

2109878826

2140519340

2249891241

2310049938

2551237796

2576076625

2594001433

283252266

2883383521

3026174861

316638097

3170054231

338811242

3705164611

3842241318

3934974605

4167807122

440668958

1287028958

2729980760

2939442496

3440869557

671754822

87081813

1014384873

1112422858

153399038

2028390811

220342792

2266630408

2519810400

2539558839

2826465835

2843798242

2898624300

3259439560

339774024

3642494300

3902459442

4250940449

472232120

585491400

641510716

91682487

I believe in gratitude+action and that together we can build a better world. Cofounder at Every.org :)

.css-1wjgqn{display:inline-block;--textSize:1.5rem;--lineHeight:1.7999999999999998rem;line-height:var(--lineHeight);font-size:var(--textSize);width:100%;}Autism Awareness

Harmony Theater

Aspies For Social Success, AFSS

Autism Empowerment

Autism Empowerment

Autism Empowerment

Madison Rochelle Alfano Foundation Inc

Autism Awareness