A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight
2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: The Ed Asner Family Center
Organization Type: Community
Grant Categories: Social
WHO THEY ARE
Established in 2017, The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC) empowers individuals of all abilities with dignity, confidence, and self-respect through innovative arts and vocational enrichment programs. Their comprehensive offerings encompass counseling, parent/individual support groups fostering social inclusion, and mental health services tailored to Autistic and Special Needs individuals and their families. As a central hub, the center provides valuable resources and information. TEAFC not only addresses the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals but also extends compassionate support to help their families navigate challenges with resilience and grace.
“The grant from NEXT for AUTISM helped us purchase materials, hire and employ neuro-divergent staff, and funded scholarships for some students. Most importantly, it’s seeing the engagement and reactions of the autistic adults in the program. And we are very excited about the prospects for bringing this program to other autistic communities.”
Chrisa Sadd, Director of Mental Health, TEAFC
2022 GRANT IMPACT
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100 individuals with ASD Served
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70% BIPOC
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3 Sessions of Dating on the Spectrum; 8 Weeks Each
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24 Weeks of building healthier relationships
With the support of a grant from NEXT for AUTISM, The Ed Asner Family Center provided their innovative Dating on the Spectrum course to 100 adults with autism. This curriculum, tailored for individuals aged 18 and older within the autistic community, aimed to provide valuable support, education, and assistance in navigating the complexities of dating. The curriculum covered essential topics such as Relationships, Communication, Sex, Boundaries, Social Media, Internet Dating, and Skills for breaking up and letting go. Through a combination of instruction, role-playing, mock dating in the classroom, and monthly social gatherings facilitated by trained therapists, participants had opportunities to practice newly acquired skills. Recognizing the high demand for dating programming, and scarcity of existing resources, NEXT for AUTISM saw this project as a standout due to its potential for a positive impact on the well-being of autistic adults.
THE RESULT
- Hosted three 8-week sessions of the dating spectrum that reached 100 adults with autism.
- Offered monthly social monthly mixers supported by therapists and dating coaches.
- Provided additional check-in counseling to participants engaged in dating beyond the 8-week course.
BE PART OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR AUTISM
- Support funding for NEXT for AUTISM's grants program, including organizations like The Ed Asner Family Center. Make a gift today
- Learn more about NEXT's grants program, and share our work and grant opportunities in the community.
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