Grant A Gift Autism Foundation is an organization that provides activities and events to help kids who have autism. It was founded in 2009 by Lynda Tache, whose son Grant Tache was diagnosed with autism.

This foundation sponsors several events to raise money so it can provide activities for kids who have autism . One fundraiser is the 5K Autism Race For Hope & Fun. This event is held every year during April. Another event is The Fashion For Autism Show, which happens in October.

Grant A Gift Autism Foundation has impacted me by making me part of their Teen Works Program. This program gave me the opportunity to work at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Goodwill and Green Valley Library. In addition, it has taught me to be successful by working hard, being helpful, respecting others, having a positive attitude while working, staying calm when things get hard at work, respecting my boss and staying on task with my co-workers.

“I know that Grant a Gift Autism Foundation works very hard to help families of individuals with autism. They provide a number of programs that are very beneficial for these families,” said Mrs. Segalla, Mark 10:14 teacher.  Mrs. Segalla has also participated in the 5K Autism Race For Hope & Fun to support the Grant A Gift Autism Foundation.

The money raised by Grant A Gift is used for programs such as  Hope For Autism Program, B.U.D.S-(Building Up And Developing Social/Life Skills Program), Teen Works Program and Sibling Social Support Group.

Hope For Autism Program helps by offering assistance to children with diagnostic, speech and therapy. B.U.D.S (Building Up And Developing Social/Life Skills Program) is for kid ages 6-12 to help provide skills to interact for them with their peers in a good environment. Teen Works Program is for teen ages 13-18, it teaches them about work skills and job opportunities for environment pay and adulthood. The Sibling Social Support Group is for 1-8 graders siblings with autism spectrum disorder. It helps experience and improve their skills. It also provides outings like bowling, miniature golf, movie night and other activities.

“I think Grant A Gift Autism Foundation is a wonderful organization that is a really big help to families of children who have autism.”