As you all know this is a very stressful time for non-profits in the US, especially for those of us who serve the neurodiverse community. Autistry is well into our 17th year, and we have weathered many storms, not the least being the COVID years. We met every challenge head on and did not miss a day of service. In fact, our program has grown. 

The challenges we face today are primarily financial. Autistry operates without debt. Autistry is, for the most part, funded by the students who receive support from Regional Centers. The Centers receive funding from the Department of Development Services. The DDS receives funding from Medicaid. That primary funding source is currently at risk. In our current state, if those Medicaid funds are cut, operating with lower staff numbers and without taking the drastic measure of furloughing essential staff, Autistry could only survive for a couple months.  

Dan, Sara, and I have been running the numbers and modeling different solutions. It is difficult when we have no clear idea what actions the federal government may take. Currently all we hear are vague threats to cut Medicaid. But those threats, if realized, could very well close us down.  

I am calling an all-hands meeting for Thursday, April 10th, 7pm at the Makerspace to explore our options and share some of the ideas we have about ways to maintain services. I am confident that together we can find solutions to not only keep our Autistry doors open but grow our program!  

Please join us. We need your help.  

With gratitude, 

Janet 

Please RSVP to Janet at janet@autistry.com