Hi, I’m Trisha Ocampo — founder of The Cove Indoor Play.

Before I tell you what’s happening today, I want to share where this all began.

Our Family’s Story

In 1990, my family's world was forever changed when my youngest brother was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at just 3 years old.

As he grew up, I watched him be separated from his peers — placed in classrooms that didn’t match his potential. I saw my mom advocate for him tirelessly, even while battling embarrassment and fear. I watched her carry the emotional weight of being a parent in a system that wasn’t designed to support families like ours.

Even something as simple as going out for lunch became a source of stress. My mother overcompensated for his needs, trying to protect him from judgment. And my brother? He just wanted to be seen. To be treated like every other kid.

That story has lived in me for decades. It’s why I created The Cove.

A Dream Rooted in Love

The Cove is the space I wish we had growing up — a safe, inclusive indoor play space where neurodiverse kids can be themselves, and parents don’t have to explain or apologize. A place where community feels like community.

We opened just under a year ago, and in that short time, we’ve seen incredible things:

Children on the spectrum laughing, exploring, and connecting

Parents finding relief and solidarity

Families finally feeling like they belong

This space has become a lifeline for so many — but now we’re at risk of losing it.

Why I’m Asking for Help

Despite the love and energy poured into The Cove, we’re now facing over $250,000 in debt. The truth is, it’s incredibly difficult to keep a community-first, heart-centered space running in today’s economy — especially one that prioritizes accessibility over profit.

We’ve done everything we can to stretch our resources. My team and I have donated our time, our energy, our own money. But we’ve hit a breaking point.

We’re trying to raise $50,000 to help us:

Stay open through the fall

Pay down startup and accessibility improvement debt

Continue offering inclusive, affordable programming

Invest in new sensory equipment for our kids

Keep this mission alive in New Westminster

If you’ve ever believed in inclusive spaces…

If The Cove has ever meant something to you…

If you want to be part of a world that welcomes differences rather than excluding them…

Please consider donating.

Whether it’s $10, $100, or $1,000 — every contribution is a lifeline. And if you’re not in a position to give financially, sharing our story with your network means more than you know.

We’re not ready to give up on The Cove.

But we can’t do this alone anymore.

With deep gratitude and hope,

Trisha

For every family trying to navigate a world that wasn’t built for them — The Cove is for you.