Grant in the Spotlight: Island Autism Center

(Washington, DC) November 18, 2020: The Wyss Foundation is delighted to continue its support of the Island Autism Center, a program being developed by Island Autism Group Inc., a non-profit organization that serves children with autism and their families on Martha’s Vineyard.

The Island Autism Center is envisioned as a residential setting for adults with autism over the age of 22 years old. It will also be a place where children and adults with autism can enjoy social and therapeutic activities year-round. A major focus of the Center will be to prepare adults with autism for employment and therefore their independence.

“The Wyss Foundation is committed helping ensure that everyone has the chance to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential,” says Molly McUsic, President of the Wyss Foundation. “We are proud to contribute to the Island Autism Center and have no doubt that this program will provide participants with the support they need to flourish.”

“In June of this year, we took a huge first step into our future by signing the purchase and sale agreement on a farm in West Tisbury. This farm will soon be the home of the Island Autism Center,” said Kate DeVane, President of the Island Autism Center. “The Wyss Foundation’s support of the Island Autism Center has helped make our dream a reality.”

-------------------

About the Wyss Foundation - The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.

About the Island Autism Center- The Island Autism Group was originally founded by the mothers of two boys with autism. From humble beginnings and with help from teachers, therapists, friends, and other parents, the small group has developed into its own nonprofit with the purpose of supporting children from the Island and their families as they live their lives with autism.

Over the past several years the Island Autism Group has developed a vision of an Island Autism Center, a place on Martha’s Vineyard where children and adult residents with autism and similar intellectual disabilities can live life to its fullest potential.