About White Mountain Autism Foundation
Our History
We are committed to improving the lives of people living with Autism through guiding individuals with a roadmap of resources.
The White Mountain Autism Foundation (White Mountains Foundation for Special Needs Individuals) is a 501C(3) corporation. The WMAF was founded in 2008 to foster community programs and education which enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism. That vision has expanded through the years to encompass all individuals with developmental disabilities. In 2019, WMAF took a new name to better describe the expanded mission and activities, White Mountains Foundation for Special Needs Individuals. Projects, both fund raising and events, focus on exposing the developmentally disabled to experiences that allow them to be in a socially comfortable environment. Through the years the foundation has sponsored community education programs featuring national experts to raise community awareness into the daily life of a special needs person in addition to medical issues within the rural milieu.
Fund raising activities are frequently a combination of an event and an experience. Disc golf and pickleball tournaments include the special needs people in the competition. A fishing tournament is followed by a luncheon for the special competitors with emphasis on birthday celebrations. A spaghetti dinner fund raiser also includes special needs people as participants and helpers. A Christmas party for those in group homes allows both a festive party and presents. In addition, the WMAF funds monetary gifts to families of special needs individuals. Current plans include formally expanding the WMAF to broaden both the scope of services and to stabilize funding to ensure programs will continue in the future. In 2019 we expanded the Derby Down the Deuce participation for Developmentally Disabled. This event is a local soap box derby type race down Main street that has in the past borrowed special cars to allow a chaperone driver. Those cars were not always available so the WMAF purchased 4 cars to be modified and used yearly for this community event. Special needs individuals participated in 11 heats. In addition, the WMAF is seeking community sponsorship to throw a Halloween Party for the disabled and their families. In it hoped that the disabled of any age and their families can enjoy this activity unencumbered by any stigma of their disabilities. This party is patterned after a pediatric practice in Phoenix's party.
Future projects also include assumption of leadership for the local annual Resource Fair for people with developmental disabilities. This Resource Fair allows the entire service community, social, medical, and financial to present their services at a single venue. There is an accompanying concomitant education program that addresses mall aspects of life for special needs individuals. In 2018, the Fair attracted over 150 participants and attendees. In 2018, WMAF developed a resource guide containing all the community services for special needs individuals. In addition, the foundation will be assuming sponsorship of the community wide Individuals with Special Needs coalition, a community group of representatives from all aspects of developmentally disabled services. This committee meets every 3 months and is charged with facilitating recommendations for necessary community services.