Our Goal is Within Reach But We Still Need Your Help!
We have a $500,000 funding gap. Please consider making a multi year pledge to help us bridge the gap and draw on our bridge loan financing.
Thank you to those who have already supported us and thank you to those of you who will help us close the gap.
Imagine a place on Martha’s Vineyard where children and adult residents with autism can live life to its fullest potential.
Island Autism is planning a residential setting for autistic adults and a place where children and adults with autism can enjoy social and therapeutic activities year-round.
A common worry among island families is that their loved ones will not have the community resources needed to live a full and productive life. With the essential support and the accepting spirit of the island community, the Island Autism Center will be a place for collaboration and cooperation. The Center will provide social, physical, and emotional benefits for the island’s autistic population and eliminate the need to leave the island for other programs that serve this purpose. Island children and their parents will be confident that they will stay together.
The Center will offer co-housing, amenities, and programs designed for autistic individuals, including:
- Five residential units in a variety of configurations, for 12-18 residents.
- A common-house that integrates a community space, kitchen, exercise studio, media room, and a library.
- A micro-farm to provide opportunities for physical skill development and healthy eating. Our farm will grow and distribute fruit and vegetables to local restaurants year-round. The farm will also sell produce through on-site and local farmers markets.
- Therapeutic and enrichment programs and opportunities tailored to the individual needs of residents,
- Opportunities for community integration through transportation and ongoing year-round partnerships with island organizations and businesses.
Fly-Through of the Island Autism Center:
With the support and the accepting spirit of the Island community, the Island Autism Center will be a place for collaboration and cooperation. The Island Autism Center will provide social, physical, and emotional benefits for the Island’s autistic population without having to go off the Island for other programs that may serve this purpose. Island children and their parents will be confident that they will stay together.