When the youngest child of single mother Gilda Evans was diagnosed as autistic, she set out on a long, frustrating journey to find the support and services she needed to care for her son. “Finding the right help for a loved one with autism or other neurodiversity or disability is a multifaceted challenge,” she says. “It’s not only the day-to-day care, but the endless search for resources, many expensive or difficult to access; the stress of waiting on insurance approvals; the frustration when resources don’t quite fit; and the exhaustion of it all.”
As Gilda navigated a dizzying maze of schools, regional centers and government offices, she found herself wishing there was a central knowledge hub that brought these scattered elements together in one reliable, 24/7 global community resource.
Frustration breeds action
Today, Gilda is Founder and President of the Autism Resource Project (ARP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a comprehensive global resource for the neurodiverse and disabled communities. ARP connects autistic children, their families, caregivers, educators and advocates to a broad, accessible spectrum of information, support and services that helps them live their best lives.
The organization’s Advisory Board includes a distinguished array of leaders, including therapists; business, finance IT, AI and intellectual property experts; and nonprofit executives. Gilda also hosts a podcast that explores the latest research and developments, support products and services, literature, education, everyday living and more.
Time to bring in an expert
When ARP resolved to create a three-year strategic plan aimed at successful fundraising, effective communications and board-building, their first move was to call on Jericho Road Pasadena to connect them to a volunteer with expertise in the field. JRP matched them with Larry Kaplan, a seasoned professional known for his work with community-based nonprofits, charities and collaboratives across Southern California.
Larry and the ARP committee started by a reviewing all of the organization’s documentation, including its business plan, social media strategy, pitch deck and more. They went on to develop a list of stakeholders including board members, staff, volunteers, donors, foundations and partner organizations.
The team conducted interviews with these key contacts to get a clearer picture of ARP’s strengths and challenges. Based on what they learned, they developed a plan and the strategies and tactics to needed execute it, including the schedules, responsibilities, and resources required.
“Executing this plan will enable ARP to successfully fundraise, communicate, build their board, and take the organization to the next level,” Larry says. ARP’s collaboration with Kaplan and JRP promises to usher in a new era in the organization’s powerful partnership with the neurodiverse—and all the people whose lives are entwined with theirs.
Thanks to volunteer Linda Taubenreuther for writing JRP social media posts!