It’s been six months since we moved to our new location in Chesapeake Community Plaza for Nonprofits. We moved to be in a more accessible and centrally-located facility and to create an environment where Oklahomans of all ages impacted by autism could connect to each other, to resources and to life-changing programs.
This space has seen a lot of action in the past six months. Caregivers have sat next to one another in our educational workshops, gaining critical information to help support their autistic loved ones. Painted masterpieces have been realized in infinite color in our art camps. Bins of LEGOs have been strewn across the floor, only to become stunning architectural designs in our STEM camps. Filmmakers have turned dreams into reality, and popcorn was shared at our sensory-friendly movie nights. Games have been played, stories told, laughs shared, and there were always a couple of kids running through the halls in endless, giggling cycles. Most importantly, connections have been made.
Every week, more participants walk in and out of our doors—but we learned quickly that those doors were more than just a means to enter and exit.
Time and time again, we’d hear a knock at our door between programs and events—during meetings with co-workers, while answering emails, cleaning the facility or setting up for the next big meet-up. We’d make our way to the lobby and find a curious and cautiously optimistic caregiver or friend looking for support for someone they loved on the autism spectrum.
They all would say the same thing, “I saw your sign on the door so I came in to see if you could help.”
Looking back we never knew our closed door would become an open opportunity for Oklahomans to find their community. We’re incredibly honored to provide a space for our families to connect.
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