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SOUTHWEST AUTISM RESEARCH AND RESOURCE

PHOENIX, AZ · EIN 311496646 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE H99 · Medical Research · Large ($10M-$50M) · www.autismcenter.org
revenue
$23.8M
expenses
$18.2M
net assets
$21.3M
employees
315
volunteers
793
program ratio
73%
filing since
2020
mission · from form 990

TO ADVANCE RESEARCH AND PROVIDE A LIFETIME OF SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM & THEIR FAMILIES.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an operational and research organization based in Arizona. It provides diagnostic services, early intervention, and ongoing support for children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). SARRC utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) across its programs and conducts research to improve understanding and interventions for ASD.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $10.58M
    CLINICAL SERVICES: FOLLOWING A FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH, SARRC IS FOCUSED ON ASSISTING FAMILIES ON THEIR JOURNEY ONCE A CHILD IS DIAGNOSED WITH ASD. SARRC'S CLINICAL MODEL IS GROUNDED IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS WITH A PARTICULAR FOCUS ON NATURALISTIC BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS IN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS (E.G. AT HOME, IN SCHOOL, ON THE JOB AND IN THE COMMUNITY). EACH OF OUR PROGRAMS, CLASSES AND TRAININGS ARE GUIDED BY BEST-PRACTICE MODELS; THE MOST CURRENTLY AVAILABLE SCIENCE; IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE AND PRODUCING MEANINGFUL OUTCOMES; AND THE INDIVIDUALIZED NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, ADULTS AND FAMILIES WE SERVE.
  2. #2 $834K
    RESIDENTIAL TRANSITION ACADEMY: THE FIRST PLACE AZ TRANSITION ACADEMY OPERATED BY THE CENTER, IS A TWO-YEAR INTENSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY BASED STATE-OF-THE-ART PROGRAM DESIGNED TO TRANSITION YOUNG ADULTS WITH AUTISM TO LIVING INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY. THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST PLACE AZ AND THE CENTER, STUDENTS LIVE IN THEIR OWN APARTMENTS WITHIN A MULTI-GENERATIONAL APARTMENT COMPLEX.
named programs · 13 · from sources

what they call their work

Autism Research Opportunities
Engages in research to understand causes of autism, identify better interventions, and improve quality of life for those affected by ASD.
Children's Services
Offers early intervention and other services for children with autism, utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Children’s Services
Offers early intervention and treatment programs for children with autism using applied behavior analysis (ABA)
Community School Campus
An inclusive, high-quality preschool program.
Community Services
Partnerships and services aimed at integrating individuals with autism into inclusive communities.
Comprehensive Services
Offers intensive, individualized ABA treatment programs across home, school, and community settings
Diagnostic Services
Provides diagnostic evaluations for children and adults to identify autism and related developmental differences
Family Services
Provides training, support, and resources for families of individuals with autism
Focused, Short-Term Intervention
Delivers targeted, time-limited ABA-based services to address specific skill deficits
JumpStart® Program
State-of-the-art training program for parents of children with autism to build knowledge and support skills
JumpStart® program
Provides critical information, support, and training for parents of children with autism.
Self-Advocate Advisory Board (SAAB)
Group of autistic self-advocates advising SARRC on research, programs, and communications
Teen and Adult Services
Provides services for individuals ages 14+ focusing on independence, employment, and life skills
activities · 21

what they do

direct service · 14
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
    Provides short-term focused and comprehensive applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for children, teens, and adults with autism, delivered in home and community settings.
  • Autism Diagnostic Services Psychological and Developmental Evaluations
    Provides diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorder in children aged 7 and younger, using a three-part process including interviews, observational assessments, and questionnaires. Families receive a diagnostic report and guidance on next steps for treatment.
  • Autism Diagnostic Services Psychological and Developmental Evaluations
    Provides diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorder in children aged 7 and younger, using a three-part process including interviews, observational assessments, and questionnaires. Families receive a diagnostic report and guidance on next steps.
  • Community Engagement and Fundraising Events Charity Walk Events
    Organizes and hosts various fundraising and awareness events, including the Annual Community Breakfast, Swirl, Sip & Savor, and the YES Day Walk for Autism, often with volunteer support.
  • Community Fundraising and Awareness Events Charity Walk Events
    Hosts major fundraising events such as the Annual Community Breakfast and Swirl, Sip & Savor, and organizes the YES Day Walk for Autism for fundraising and awareness.
  • Holiday Support Program
    Runs the annual Operation Santa Claus program during November and December to provide holiday support to families in need.
  • Inclusive Preschool Operations Child Care & Early Learning Programs
    Operates onsite preschools, offering a 50% tuition discount to employee families, and launches inclusive, high-quality preschool campuses through start-up funding.
  • Inclusive Preschool Operations Child Care & Early Learning Programs
    Operates onsite preschools, including inclusive, high-quality campuses, and offers a 50% tuition discount to employee families.
  • Therapeutic Resource Provision
    Provides educational games, books, therapeutic tools, and classroom supplies to support communication, social skills, and daily living for individuals with autism through its Home and Community Based Services program, utilizing gift cards and in-kind donations.
  • Therapeutic Resource Provision
    Provides educational games, books, therapeutic tools, and classroom supplies to support communication, social skills, and daily living for individuals with autism through its Home and Community Based Services program, utilizing gift cards and in-kind donations for client resources.
  • Therapeutic and Educational Resource Provision
    Provides educational games, books, therapeutic tools, and classroom supplies to support communication, social skills, and daily living for individuals with autism through its Home and Community Based Services program, utilizing gift cards and in-kind donations for client needs.
  • Volunteer Engagement and Event Support Volunteer Support for Disability Programs
    Organizes volunteer shifts for campus maintenance, preparation of educational materials, and support for major fundraising events like the Annual Community Breakfast and YES Day for Autism.
  • Volunteer Management and Support Volunteer Support for Disability Programs
    Organizes volunteer shifts for campus maintenance, preparation of educational materials for therapists, and event operations for fundraising events like the Annual Community Breakfast and YES Day for Autism.
  • Volunteer Program Management Volunteer Support for Disability Programs
    Organizes volunteer shifts for campus maintenance, preparation of educational materials for therapists, and engages corporate volunteer groups for classroom material preparation for the Community School.
research · 3
  • Autism Research Autism Research and Evidence-Based Care
    Conducts innovative research and provides evidence-based practices for individuals with autism and their families, operating facilities like the Colonel Harland D. Sanders Center for Autism Studies.
  • Autism Research and Resource Facilities Autism Research and Evidence-Based Care
    Conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, and operates an 18,000-square-foot Campus for Exceptional Children and a 10,000-square-foot Colonel Harland D. Sanders Center for Autism Studies, which serve as models for research and resource facilities.
  • Research and Evidence-Based Practices Autism Research and Evidence-Based Care
    Conducts innovative research and provides evidence-based practices for individuals with autism and their families, operating facilities that serve as models for research and resource centers.
capacity building · 4
  • Family Training and Support Programs Parent & Family Training for Special Needs
    Delivers week-long intensive training for families of children with autism in rural or remote areas and offers scholarships for families to enroll in the JumpStart® program, which provides parent training and support.
  • Teen Mentorship Program Youth Mentoring Programs
    Recruits teen mentors to support participants in the PEERS Program and Community Works program, fostering leadership and inclusion.
  • Teen Mentorship Programs Youth Mentoring Programs
    Recruits teen mentors to support participants in the PEERS Program and Community Works program, fostering leadership and inclusion.
  • Teen Mentorship and Inclusion Programs Youth Mentoring Programs
    Recruits teen mentors to support participants in the PEERS Program and Community Works program, fostering leadership and inclusion for individuals with autism.
strategies · 29

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any approach shared with other orgs to see the full field.

  • Diversified Fundraising and Donor Engagement diversified_fundraising unique to this org
    The organization uses special events to promote community awareness and raise funds, evaluating third-party fundraising events for mission alignment. They encourage multiyear donor commitments for long-term planning, accept cryptocurrency donations, and leverage Arizona’s tuition tax credit program to provide financial assistance.
  • Early Intervention early_intervention unique to this org
    The organization encourages proactive, early intervention based on parental instincts to support children with autism, recognizing the critical impact of timely support.
  • Engaged Volunteer Partnerships volunteer_engagement unique to this org
    The organization offers flexible, interest-based volunteer opportunities to engage individuals and groups in support of programs and actively engages corporate volunteer groups in hands-on, mission-aligned activities, including off-site coordination at company locations.
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Diagnostic Assessment evidence_based_practice unique to this org
    The organization guides its programs, classes, and trainings by best practice models, current science, and individualized needs to increase independence and achieve meaningful outcomes. This includes using DSM-5 criteria for standardized diagnoses and employing a multi-method diagnostic approach combining caregiver interviews, direct observation, and standardized questionnaires for young children.
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Lifespan Support evidence_based_lifespan_support unique to this org
    The organization guides its programs, classes, and trainings by best practice models, current science, increasing independence, meaningful outcomes, and individualized needs, while providing comprehensive programs and services across the lifespan for individuals with autism and their families.
  • Evidence-Based and Lifespan-Oriented Practice evidence_based_practice unique to this org
    The organization guides its programs, classes, and trainings by best practice models, current science, and individualized needs, with a focus on increasing independence and meaningful outcomes. They provide comprehensive programs and services across the lifespan for individuals with autism and their families, emphasizing early intervention based on parental instincts.
  • Evidence-Based and Standardized Diagnostic Practices evidence_based_practice_and_standardized_diagnosis unique to this org
    The organization guides its programs, classes, and trainings by best practice models, current science, and individualized needs to ensure meaningful outcomes and increasing independence. It uses DSM-5 criteria for standardized and clinically recognized autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and employs a multi-method diagnostic approach combining caregiver interviews, direct observation, and standardized questionnaires for assessing autism in young children.
  • Family-Involved and Community-Based Intervention family_involved_intervention unique to this org
    The organization involves family members and caregivers in intervention to improve consistency, intensity, and outcomes. They provide individualized support through home and community-based interventions, aiming for full engagement in community life, including connecting, learning, living, and working.
  • Family-Involved and Community-Based Intervention family_and_community_based_intervention unique to this org
    The organization involves family members and caregivers in intervention to improve consistency, intensity, and outcomes, and provides individualized support in communication, social skills, and daily living through home and community-based interventions. This approach aims to integrate individuals with autism into inclusive communities and foster full engagement in community life.
  • Family-Involved and Community-Based Intervention family_involved_intervention unique to this org
    The organization involves family members and caregivers in intervention to improve consistency, intensity, and outcomes, and provides individualized support through home and community-based interventions to foster skill development in communication, social skills, and daily living.
  • Flexible Resource Allocation and Volunteer Engagement flexible_resource_allocation unique to this org
    The organization uses flexible purchasing power from gift cards to obtain developmentally appropriate materials tailored to the needs of young clients. They also offer flexible, interest-based volunteer opportunities and engage corporate volunteer groups in hands-on, mission-aligned activities.
  • Flexible Resource Provision flexible_resource_allocation unique to this org
    The organization uses flexible purchasing power from gift cards to obtain developmentally appropriate materials tailored to the needs of young clients with autism, ensuring resources are responsive to individual requirements.
  • Flexible Volunteer and Corporate Engagement flexible_volunteer_and_corporate_engagement unique to this org
    The organization offers flexible, interest-based volunteer opportunities to engage individuals and groups in support of programs and engages corporate volunteer groups in hands-on, mission-aligned activities, including off-site coordination at company locations.
  • Flexible Volunteer and Corporate Partnerships flexible_volunteer_partnerships unique to this org
    The organization offers flexible, interest-based volunteer opportunities to engage individuals and groups in support of programs and engages corporate volunteer groups in hands-on, mission-aligned activities, including off-site coordination at company locations.
  • Inclusive Community Integration inclusive_community_integration unique to this org
    The organization focuses on integrating individuals with autism into inclusive communities and works towards a vision where individuals with autism can fully engage in community life, including connecting, learning, living, and working.
  • Individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Naturalistic Interventions individualized_ABA_and_naturalistic_interventions unique to this org
    The organization utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tailored to each individual's profile, needs, family input, and response data across all age groups. This includes employing Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), a naturalistic ABA approach that integrates learning into everyday routines and involves family and peers, and focusing on naturalistic behavioral interventions in inclusive environments like home, school, workplace, or community.
  • Individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Naturalistic Interventions individualized_ABA unique to this org
    The organization utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tailored to each individual's profile, needs, family input, and response data across age groups. This includes employing Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), a naturalistic ABA approach that integrates learning into everyday routines and involves family and peers, and focusing on naturalistic behavioral interventions in inclusive environments.
  • Lifespan Support lifespan_support unique to this org
    The organization provides comprehensive programs and services across the lifespan for individuals with autism and their families, ensuring continuous support from childhood through adulthood.
  • Multi-Method Diagnostic Assessment multi_method_diagnostic_assessment unique to this org
    The organization uses DSM-5 criteria to ensure standardized and clinically recognized autism spectrum disorder diagnoses and employs a multi-method diagnostic approach combining caregiver interview, direct observation, and standardized questionnaires to assess autism in young children.
  • Multi-Method Diagnostic Assessment multi_method_diagnostic_assessment unique to this org
    The organization uses DSM-5 criteria for standardized and clinically recognized autism spectrum disorder diagnoses. They employ a multi-method diagnostic approach combining caregiver interviews, direct observation, and standardized questionnaires to assess autism in young children.
  • Shared Facility Model shared_facility_model unique to this org
    The organization utilizes shared facilities within existing community or organizational buildings to deliver services, optimizing resource use and fostering community integration.
  • Strategic Fundraising and Donor Engagement strategic_fundraising_and_donor_engagement unique to this org
    The organization uses special events to promote community awareness and raise funds, evaluates third-party fundraising events for mission alignment, encourages multiyear donor commitments for long-term planning, and accepts cryptocurrency donations to expand giving options.
  • Strategic Fundraising and Resource Allocation strategic_fundraising_and_resource_allocation unique to this org
    The organization uses special events to promote community awareness and raise funds, evaluates third-party fundraising events for mission alignment, and encourages multiyear donor commitments to support long-term planning and program expansion. It also leverages Arizona’s tuition tax credit program for financial assistance, accepts digital currency donations, and uses flexible purchasing power from gift cards to obtain developmentally appropriate materials.
  • Strategic Fundraising and Resource Allocation strategic_fundraising unique to this org
    The organization uses special events to promote community awareness and raise funds, evaluates third-party fundraising events for mission alignment, and encourages multiyear donor commitments to support long-term planning and program expansion. It also leverages Arizona’s tuition tax credit program for financial assistance and accepts diverse donation methods like cryptocurrency to expand donor options.
  • Strategic Workforce Development and Community Integration workforce_development_through_education unique to this org
    The organization supports workforce development by providing tuition assistance for employees pursuing advanced degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis. They also focus on integrating individuals with autism into inclusive communities as part of a strategic plan for statewide expansion.
  • Technology-Supported Learning technology_supported_learning unique to this org
    The organization supports skill development in teens and adults with autism through technology-enabled learning tools and resources, leveraging modern solutions to enhance educational outcomes.
  • Technology-Supported Learning and Shared Facility Model technology_supported_learning unique to this org
    The organization supports skill development in teens and adults with autism through technology-enabled learning tools and resources. They also utilize shared facilities within existing community or organizational buildings to deliver services efficiently.
  • Workforce Development and Employee Support workforce_development unique to this org
    The organization supports workforce development by providing 100% tuition assistance for employees pursuing a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, thereby investing in the expertise of its staff.
  • Workforce Development and Lifespan Support workforce_development_and_lifespan_support unique to this org
    The organization supports workforce development by providing tuition assistance for employees pursuing advanced degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis. It also provides comprehensive programs and services across the lifespan for individuals with autism and their families, encouraging proactive, early intervention based on parental instincts.
financials · form 990 · fy2022

the money

revenue
Total revenue$23.78M
Contributions & grants$11.70M49%
Program service revenue$11.93M50%
Investment income$398K2%
Other revenue$-246K
expenses
Total expenses$18.21M
Program expenses73%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising8%
Salaries & benefits$13.91M
Grants paid out$180K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$23.15M
Cash$2.25M
Investments$7.06M
Liabilities$1.90M
Net assets$21.26M
Liquid reserves6.1 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +42.7%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 10
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
DANIEL OPENDEN PRESIDENT & CEO 40 $326K
CHRISTOPHER SMITH CHIEF SCIENCE OFFICER 40 $194K
AMY KENZER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER 40 $172K
MAUREEN JORDAN CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 40 $150K
BRIAN SHAW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 40 $130K
PAIGE RAETZ DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES 40 $129K
RACHEL ANDERSON DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES 40 $119K
NICOLE JAMES DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH 40 $115K
WADE NEWHOUSE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 40 $112K
ANDREA LEVY CFO (THRU 5/22) 40 $90K
board members · 15
  • CHADWICK CAMPBELL — MEMBER
  • CHRISTINE WILKINSON PHD — CHAIR
  • DENISE RESNIK — EMERITUS MEMBER
  • GARY JABURG — EMERITUS MEMBER
  • GREGORY BERNOSKY — MEMBER
  • HOWARD SOBELMAN — EMERITUS MEMBER
  • JASON LATTIN — MEMBER
  • JULIE ALPERT — MEMBER
  • KEN MCELROY — MEMBER
  • KIM SHEPARD — MEMBER
  • MICHAEL BILL — MEMBER
  • MONICA COURY — MEMBER
  • NEIL BALTER — MEMBER
  • NICOLE GOODWIN — VICE CHAIR
  • PAIGE ROTHERMEL — MEMBER
relationships · 32

who they work with

  • Amazon Partner — Partner for in-kind donations through dedicated wish lists for multiple SARRC programs.
  • American Express Partner — Partnership enabling Members Give Online donations via American Express Card or Membership Rewards points redemption.
  • Android Partner — Accepted as a source of gift cards used to support teen and adult services.
  • Apple Partner — Accepted as a source of gift cards used to support teen and adult services.
  • Arizona Tuition Connection Partner — Partnership enabling Arizona taxpayers to direct tuition tax credit contributions to support families at SARRC’s Community School.
  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board Government — Follows certification standards from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for BCBAs and RBTs.
  • Blackwood Family Foundation Partner — Silver-level Multiyear Visionary Partner supporting SARRC programs
  • Candid Network — Recognized with Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency.
  • Charity Navigator Network — Rated by Charity Navigator as a participating nonprofit organization.
  • Director of Community Engagement Partner — Point of contact for event sponsorship and partnership inquiries.
  • Evite Partner — Collaboration allowing users to add donation buttons to invitations, with proceeds benefiting SARRC.
  • Family Resource Team Partner — Internal team responsible for managing mentorship program inquiries and placements.
  • First Place® AZ Partner — Co-launched Arizona's specialty autism license plate to fund programs for individuals with autism and other neurodiversities.
  • Fry’s Food Stores Partner — Participation in Fry’s Community Rewards program, enabling shoppers to direct a portion of spending to SARRC.
  • Gemini Exchange Partner — Platform through which SARRC accepts cryptocurrency donations, including Bitcoin and other supported tokens.
  • Global Roofing Group Partner — Platinum-level Multiyear Visionary Partner supporting SARRC programs
  • Goodmans Interior Structures Partner — Hosts SARRC's Tucson Campus within its building.
  • Minted.com Partner — Partnership where 10% of each purchase made with a designated promo code is donated to SARRC.
  • Paiute Neighborhood Center Partner — Hosts SARRC's Scottsdale Paiute Campus within its facility.
  • Papa John’s Pizza Partner — Collaboration providing a discount to customers using a promo code, with 10% of proceeds supporting SARRC.
  • Phoenix Autism Center – Justin & Breanne Hartman Partner — Bronze-level Multiyear Visionary Partner supporting SARRC programs
  • Serenity Mitchell Partner — Volunteer & Events Coordinator responsible for managing volunteer engagement and event coordination.
  • St. James Episcopal Church Partner — Hosts SARRC's Community School-Tempe within its facility.
  • Target Partner — Accepted as a source of gift cards used to purchase supplies for children's services.
  • The SPEAK Center for Language and Learning Partner — Bronze-level Multiyear Visionary Partner supporting SARRC programs
  • Valley of the Sun United Way Network — SARRC is a designated Community Partner, allowing donors to direct United Way contributions using a specific code.
  • Walmart Partner — Accepted as a source of gift cards used to purchase supplies for children's services.
  • Weitz Family Foundation Partner — Platinum-level Multiyear Visionary Partner supporting SARRC programs
  • Willmeng Construction, Inc. Partner — Bronze-level Multiyear Visionary Partner supporting SARRC programs
  • community partners Partner — Partners with community organizations across Arizona to promote autism awareness and acceptance.
+ 2 more