With autism prevalence growing to 1:45, almost everyone has a friend or family member affected by this disorder. Yet, desperately needed services are severely lacking.  Caregivers are grasping for non-existent lifelines and are left under intense levels of stress.

Community Autism Resources and Education Systems (CARES), is a West Virginia non-profit organization focused on developing needed supports to best serve West Virginia’s children, young adults, and families affected by autism. Their mission is deeply rooted in four elements: Unity. Reprieve. Access. Evolution.

Funds raised support CARES community outreach events. These were a monthly opportunity for children, young adults, and families to enjoy sensory sensitive experiences previously unavailable to them such as summer camps, holiday activities, and more. These serve as an opportunity to build a much-needed community and CARES supported families from Putnam, Kanawha, Cabell, Boone, Marion, and Jackson counties. With your help they can continue to expand CARES’ reach and impact. 2022 CARES has expanded to additional services such as an evening Caregiver Support Hotline and Parent Advocacy support and education programming.