April 2026: It's Autism Acceptance Month and we're ready to campaign! Jeff and I are relaunching our fundraising efforts for August’s safety fence during the month of April. Donating to a personal safety project is a DIRECT way to support Autism Acceptance, which focuses on providing the tangible support and specialized environments individuals need to thrive.

Last year, you all raised an incredible $12,365 toward the fence fund. All donations have been held in a dedicated, locked account and have not been used; these donations are strictly reserved for the fence build. While the site preparation—including the removal of stumps and ledge—is complete, the remaining cost for the specialized, climb-proof materials and installation is still $28,000.

Since insurance does not cover environmental safety, we are seeking community support to bridge this gap and finally break ground.

Supporting this project is a direct way to participate in Autism Acceptance Month and help us reach the finish line for August’s safety and enrichment. Please consider donating or sharing our GoFundMe link.

With gratitude,

With lots of hope,

Jeff and Jessie Mostrom

April 2025: Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

We are reaching out to you with hope and humility to share our nephew's story and to ask for your support. We are Jeff and Jessie Mostrom, the proud uncle and aunt of a wonderful child with profound autism and a regressive gene mutation called IRF2BPL. Our nephew, August, is a vibrant, curious, and energetic 7 year old boy who brings immense joy to our lives. However, August is nonverbal and requires 24 hour supervision and special accommodations to ensure his safety and well-being.

One of our family's biggest concerns is providing a secure outdoor space where August can play and do his therapies without the risk of wandering off. August is prone to "eloping", which is a common trait among children with profound autism. This behavior poses a significant risk, as August has little awareness of dangers such as traffic, bodies of water, or strangers. The backyard, which could be a haven and learning space for him, is currently unenclosed, making the area unusable and exposed to the roads and wetland.

Installing a fence around the property is essential for August's safety and his parents' peace of mind. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover any safety needs in August’s physical environment and his parents have paid for all of his current safety equipment, out of pocket. The cost of purchasing and installing a quality fence that is also secure (meaning August couldn’t climb it), exceeds their current financial capabilities (as it would for most of us) and that is why we are prayerfully turning to our community for help.

Sarah and Eric, August’s parents, are incredibly hardworking and dedicated to providing the very best for their son. They are pioneers in the quest to give August the ability to safely learn new skills in a home they hope August can grow up in. August's safety is their top priority. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to cover some of costs of purchasing and installing a quality fence that will provide a secure area for August. This amount will ensure we can provide the best possible solution to keep August safe now and for many years to come. Every dollar raised will go directly towards this project, and any additional funds will be used to enhance August's therapeutic needs.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in August's life. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing our story with others who might be able to help. Your support and prayers are invaluable to us.

To donate, please visit the gofundme page. We will keep you updated on our progress and share photos of the completed project and August running freely once the fence is installed.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and kindness. Together, we can create a safe space for August to grow, play, and thrive.

With gratitude,

With lots of hope,

Jeff and Jessie Mostrom

P.S. If you have any questions or would like to offer support in other ways, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jessie directly. Your support means the world to us and to Auggie.