“I felt led to create a support
group for mothers like me
that understood this life
and needed a safe place to
talk and pray without
feeling ‘d if feren t .’”
JESSICA REACHED OUT TO SEVERAL MOTHERS about joining a Bible study,
which was centered around being a parent of an autistic child and using faith for
guidance and strength. “I invited them to invite a few mothers, too. Soon we had
a group of seven women, all with different stories, points of view, and experienc-
growing their services by developing the Resource Center. They agreed, we put
es. The thing that connected our diverse group was the need for faith-based sup-
things in motion, and went to work. This group is willing to step in and work hard
port in a safe, nurturing environment.” The first meeting was held in June 2015 on
to bring this much-needed service to our autism community. Right now, our group
Jessica’s back porch. So far, it’s been quite a success. “I think the fact that we
consists of a ten member board of directors and two staff members, but we hope to
can get seven women together every week has to be a God thing!” While it was
grow our volunteers and staff over the next 18 months.”
intended to last for only six weeks, the group proved to be so beneficial that it
Proceeds from the upcoming “Pacing for Pieces” event will go towards the
kept going. “It just happened. We finished the first book and someone brought
Resource Center. Jessica and her team are also seeking funds through grants,
another to begin right after. We never really discussed this being on-going…
corporate sponsors, and other annual fundraisers. “We want our Resource Center
It was just understood.”
to be a welcoming and comforting place that provides various types of support to
She also became involved with the non-profit All 4 Autism, whose sole mission
our families. The center’s purpose is to strengthen the organization’s efforts and
is to enhance both parental and public understanding of the social, economic,
spread autism awareness by gaining volunteers, prayer, and financial resources
educational, and political issues surrounding autism while providing support to
throughout the community. Along with community partners, the center will focus
those impacted through outreach, education, and advocacy programs. “The idea
on four distinct areas, including: promoting the Pee Dee region as ‘autism friend-
of an advocacy group began in 2005. Two moms of children with autism discussed
ly’ and serving as a liaison between our organization and local schools, churches,
the need for a place to learn more about the disorder and to share their joys and
and childcare providers; exploring and implementing training opportunities for
frustrations. Over the next couple of years, All 4 Autism was born with the mission
providers, educators, first responders, local government officials, and law enforce-
to support, as well as to educate and advocate, individuals with ASD.” Jessica want-
ment; developing a comprehensive roadmap of adult services for individuals with
ed to bring the organization to the many moms she had befriended right here in
autism spectrum disorders; and actively pursuing skilled volunteers to donate
the Pee Dee region. “We are so limited in this area, and many of us have to travel
assessments, services, and resources on-site.” Ultimately, Jessica wants to provide
to receive services and resources, and to see specialists. Greenville, Myrtle Beach,
a source of hope. “I tell my boys all the time that you have to find the blessing
Charleston, and Columbia all have the medical services and resource centers
in everything. At first, Jack’s diagnosis was heart wrenching, and all I could focus
that we so desperately need here, and I believed we could develop a center that
on was how difficult his life would be. Then, through God’s grace, I was able to
would provide various resources locally. Over the years, the number of affected
see the blessing in his autism. Because of Jack’s diagnosis, I am a better mother.
individuals continued to grow rapidly. As a result, we have seen new needs, set
I appreciate the little things and take nothing for granted. We celebrate small
higher goals, and continually adjusted our mission to provide the best resources
victories that others might disregard. We want to spread that same idea of hope in
possible for the Pee Dee region.”
the autism community through our Resource Center. I don’t want another mother
Some of the current programs they provide include: “Connect Group,” which
meets monthly to provide support and educational opportunities to parents;
to ever feel scared and isolated like I once did. Our group provides help to weather
the storm of autism, as we celebrate our amazing kids.”
“Autism Avengers Camp,” a two-week recreational camp at the YMCA for kids
Looking back on the journey so far, Jessica can’t help but smile at the many
ages 4-12; “Horse Camp” at Bethlehem Therapeutic Riding Stable; “Light It
wonderful blessings she’s received from God and the ladies He placed in her life.
Up Blue” Pool Party at the YMCA; “Pacing for Pieces” 5K/Half Marathon, the
“Everything is in His time, and seeing how this has all fallen into place reminds me
largest fundraiser for All 4 Autism; and the “Zombie Walk,” an annual Halloween
that I have to trust His plan, not mine. A good friend of mine once told me that she
fundraiser held in Downtown Florence. Currently, Jessica and her team are
likes to center herself around Godly people to feel closer to God. That is how I feel
working on an All 4 Autism Resource Center of the Pee Dee. “The Resource Cen-
about this group. They are such beautiful souls, and surrounding myself with them
ter has been a dream of mine for several years. I had the non-profit experience
helps me grow in my faith and as a person. I am so proud to be a part of All 4 Autism
and passion, but needed the right group to join me in my mission. Rather than
and the opportunity to represent an organization that will impact the lives of kids
duplicate efforts and compete with another local organization, I had the idea
like my Jack.”
to approach the All 4 Autism group and to pitch my idea of joining forces and
Jessica Brown resides in Florence, South Carolina, with her husband Danny and their three children: Jack, Sam, and Max. To learn more
about All 4 Autism, visit www.all4autism.org. If you’re interested in volunteering or joining the Bible Study, email [email protected].
SHEMAGAZINE.COM
APRIL 2016
125