1 ORGS · 8 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Community-Funded Support Model

By leveraging community-funded resources and localized support networks, sustainable and accessible housing and services are provided for young adults with autism and IDD, because community investment fosters long-term ownership, reduces financial barriers, and strengthens social inclusion. This strategy centers on mobilizing local donors, volunteers, and partners to financially and operationally sustain housing and support programs, ensuring they remain affordable and responsive to community needs. Unlike models reliant on government funding or private insurance, this approach emphasizes grassroots engagement and collective responsibility, creating a more resilient and person-centered ecosystem for individuals with developmental disabilities.

1
orgs running it
8
activities of those orgs
8
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 1

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Certified Autism Center™ Designation AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    capacity building
    Achieved designation as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) through staff training and certification in best practices for assisting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
  • Community Health Needs Assessment AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    research
    Conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment survey to understand the needs of individuals and families in the community.
  • Development of Oak Tree Ranch Independent Living Community AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    direct service
    Is developing Oak Tree Ranch, a 31-unit independent living community designed as a specialized housing solution for adults with autism and related intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), which will house both neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals.
  • Life Skills for Lifelong Independence Program AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    direct service
    Offers a 1-year program for teens and young adults (ages 16+) in Phoenix, AZ, focusing on kitchen skills, home/self-care, and executive functioning skills to promote lifelong independence.
  • Online Resource Directory AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    direct service
    Maintains a self-service online Resource Directory to connect individuals with support service programs and resources, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, employment training, housing, and mental/behavioral health services.
  • PEERS for Adolescents Course AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    direct service
    Offers a 16-week virtual PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) course, taught by a certified instructor, to teach social skills to teens, with separate sessions for parents/social coaches.
  • Social Circle Program for Adults with Autism AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    direct service
    Operates a membership-based Social Circle Program that hosts monthly social events, such as bowling and ice cream outings, for adults with autism to strengthen peer connections, improve social and emotional well-being, and promote community inclusion. In 2024, the program served 40 individuals and had 375 social event participants.
  • Workforce Development Program AUTISM LIFE AND LIVING INC
    direct service
    Operates a program to support individuals with autism in obtaining competitive integrated employment in the restaurant industry, teaching both hard and soft job skills.