Hi. I’m Rebecca Robinette, and I'm fundraising to launch a nonprofit that will create long-term, inclusive housing for autistic and developmentally disabled adults in Yuma, Arizona.

This is deeply personal. I’m a mom of three—two of my children are autistic with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I want my oldest neurotypical daughter to have the freedom to live her own life, not feel like she has to take over their care when I’m gone. And I want my younger two to have real choices, autonomy, and a community where they can thrive—not just survive.

Right now, there are zero housing options specifically designed for neurodivergent adults in Yuma. There are no housing vouchers. No safety nets. That’s terrifying. I lie awake at night asking: What happens to them when I’m gone?

That fear has turned into a mission: to build a pocket neighborhood where autistic and developmentally disabled adults can live with dignity, independence, and the support they need—and where families like mine can finally exhale.

I’m no longer waiting for change. Like the mothers behind 29 Acres, First Place Arizona, and WeBuilt, I’ve decided to step forward and co-create this with our community. If we wait for the system to fix itself, our children will wait forever.

Please consider donating. Your gift will help cover the foundational costs of getting this off the ground: legal filings, nonprofit status, insurance, consultations, travel to learn from existing communities, and materials to help spread the word.

Donations will go toward:

-Filing fees for official nonprofit status

-Insurance and attorney consultations

-Travel (July 16–18) to tour WeBuilt (Clackamas, OR) and Edwards Center (Beaverton, OR)

-Printing materials and website development

I’m doing this because the systems meant to help have repeatedly failed us. I’m still battling (5 years now) Social Security to get my daughter approved for SSI and SSDI. Since graduating in 2020, she’s spent most of her time isolated in her room—with no job, no school, no local friends, and few opportunities.

If you’ve ever said, “Someone should do something about this,”—I am. For my kids, and for yours.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

—Rebecca Robinette

Note: Donations are not tax-deductible at this stage.