A Mother's Mission: Support Dre's Haven

Join Us in Making a Difference!

Hi, I’m Tonja Jones-Blount, the proud founder of Dre’s Haven, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through inclusive, supportive communities. My journey began with a deeply personal mission—to create a place “where kids with autism and other developmental disabilities and their siblings, could just be kids!” My sons, Aundre (“Dre”) and Auntre (Tre) were my inspirations and models.

Dre was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. He entered public school at age three and even though he excelled academically, he was excluded from enrolling in the school’s extracurricular activities. By the time Dre was in 5th grade, repeated denials and isolation had taken a traumatic toll on our entire family. I realized that the challenges he faced as a child—accessing resources, overcoming stigma, and achieving independence—would not disappear with adulthood. Inspired by his strength and the gaps in the system, I took action. On Dre's 10th birthday, April 6, 2000, I launched Dre's Playhouse, an afterschool and summer camp for K-12 students with autism and other developmental disabilities and their siblings. And just as kids with autism grow up to be adults with autism, so did Dre (now 34) and Dre's Playhouse—now Dre's Haven. Having served more than 300 individuals and their families, Dre’s Haven is a thriving community providing essential programs, services, and supports that empower neurodivergent teens and adults to live, learn, work, connect, and thrive.

Dre’s Haven’s serves neurodivergent teens and adults aged 13-40 and includes an infinite learning academy, adult day services, 6th -12th grade after school program, summer camps, social enterprises, and autism education and consulting. Our commitment transcends the boundaries of our facilities and adult programming is meticulously designed to provide comprehensive life skills training and “real world” experiences to equip “aged out” adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and emancipated foster youth to confidently and independently navigate their journey into adulthood.

For more information, contact:

Tonja Jones-Blount