Autism Awareness Shop
Tax deductible
Help Us Provide Jobs to Young Adults with Autism
My name is Jenifer Band, I am the president of the Autism Awareness Shop. I am also a proud mom to a wonderful teenage son with autism and have been providing occupational therapy services for those with autism since 2004. As every family with a child with autism understands, milestones and transitions can be overwhelming and challenging, but this transition into adulthood may be the most daunting of all. It has been referred to as "falling off the cliff," when our kids age out of the school system at 22 years old. At that age, young adults with autism are essentially left without support. There is little to no training available to them & job prospects are dismal. It’s a scary situation for kids and their parents. That’s why we are so passionate about our “Autism Awareness Shop.”
Our goal is to increase the independence and improve the overall quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum through gainful employment. The success of this employment will be implemented by intensive and therapeutic on-the-job vocational skill building at actual retail establishments designed with supports in place. Our first program will be a thrift store (business model similar to Goodwill). Autism Awareness Shop(s) will also serve to increase awareness and acceptance of those on the autism spectrum through community inclusion and demonstrating how every member of our community has something to contribute.
My husband, Scott, and I started an online business, Autism Awareness Shop, several years ago with the intention to create a job for our Cody when he completed school at age 22. Our now successful online business, selling autism awareness merchandise, has essentially allowed us to see huge potential and lead us to a greater dual objective: To open an adult vocational training facility for individuals with autism that is physically attached to a brick and mortar thrift store which will provide onsite on-the-job training opportunities. The store will also provide gainful employment for those with autism.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization and all profits from the thrift store will be used for the training facility and to open additional facilities in the future. By using this model, the need to fundraise for future monetary donations will be minimized. All donations are tax deductible.
We have everything in place to succeed with this critically needed venture and the experience to do it. We have formed a fantastic well-educated, well-trained and dedicated board of directors with a combined 75 years experience in special education, management, sales, marketing, and finance skills. All are dedicated professionals willing to put in whatever is necessary to help us become success that we know we can be.
We want to turn the future for these individuals into something that can be anticipated with excitement and promise! To give them security and the life they deserve. YOU can help us do just that. Won’t you join us on our journey? No donation is too small and we guarantee that whatever you contribute is not only greatly appreciated, but will help build a future for wonderful young people with autism. You can help change lives.
We are trying to get the word out about the Autism Awareness project to as many people as possible. Please help us and tell everyone you know about us….Please share, share and share again.
With gratitude to all. If you would prefer purchasing autism awareness merchandise to show your support, please visit our website www.AutismAwarenessShop.org
My name is Jenifer Band, I am the president of the Autism Awareness Shop. I am also a proud mom to a wonderful teenage son with autism and have been providing occupational therapy services for those with autism since 2004. As every family with a child with autism understands, milestones and transitions can be overwhelming and challenging, but this transition into adulthood may be the most daunting of all. It has been referred to as "falling off the cliff," when our kids age out of the school system at 22 years old. At that age, young adults with autism are essentially left without support. There is little to no training available to them & job prospects are dismal. It’s a scary situation for kids and their parents. That’s why we are so passionate about our “Autism Awareness Shop.”
Our goal is to increase the independence and improve the overall quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum through gainful employment. The success of this employment will be implemented by intensive and therapeutic on-the-job vocational skill building at actual retail establishments designed with supports in place. Our first program will be a thrift store (business model similar to Goodwill). Autism Awareness Shop(s) will also serve to increase awareness and acceptance of those on the autism spectrum through community inclusion and demonstrating how every member of our community has something to contribute.
My husband, Scott, and I started an online business, Autism Awareness Shop, several years ago with the intention to create a job for our Cody when he completed school at age 22. Our now successful online business, selling autism awareness merchandise, has essentially allowed us to see huge potential and lead us to a greater dual objective: To open an adult vocational training facility for individuals with autism that is physically attached to a brick and mortar thrift store which will provide onsite on-the-job training opportunities. The store will also provide gainful employment for those with autism.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization and all profits from the thrift store will be used for the training facility and to open additional facilities in the future. By using this model, the need to fundraise for future monetary donations will be minimized. All donations are tax deductible.
We have everything in place to succeed with this critically needed venture and the experience to do it. We have formed a fantastic well-educated, well-trained and dedicated board of directors with a combined 75 years experience in special education, management, sales, marketing, and finance skills. All are dedicated professionals willing to put in whatever is necessary to help us become success that we know we can be.
We want to turn the future for these individuals into something that can be anticipated with excitement and promise! To give them security and the life they deserve. YOU can help us do just that. Won’t you join us on our journey? No donation is too small and we guarantee that whatever you contribute is not only greatly appreciated, but will help build a future for wonderful young people with autism. You can help change lives.
We are trying to get the word out about the Autism Awareness project to as many people as possible. Please help us and tell everyone you know about us….Please share, share and share again.
With gratitude to all. If you would prefer purchasing autism awareness merchandise to show your support, please visit our website www.AutismAwarenessShop.org
Organizer
Jenifer Day-Band
Organizer
Tampa, FL
Autism Awareness Shop Inc
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
