Each week on “On a Mission” we talk to community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area. Today, our host Wendy Norfleet talks to Urrika Woods-Scott from Shades of Autism Parent Network.
Shades of Autism Parent Networks provides peer support to parents raising children on the Autism Spectrum through virtual and recreational experiences including parent-only social events, family events/travel, and educational workshops to help families thrive in the Jacksonville, FL and surrounding areas.
To learn more, visit https://www.shadesapn.org.
What makes your company unique?: Our organization is unique in that we are peer parents providing support and coaching to one another as we all work towards a shared goal of raising our children on the Autism Spectrum. It is important to note that minority parents and children with ASD experience varying levels of access to medical services, academic resources, and financial supports to meet their family’s needs. We aim to be a beacon of light and assist each other in building systems of care to support of children. We also want to bring awareness to potential mental health issues that can impact the parents.
How do you define success?: Accomplishing incremental growth to achieve a goal. I believe in celebrating every milestone.
Who in the industry inspires you and why?: Areva Martin, CNN legal analyst and Autism Advocate. She created a nonprofit, Special Needs Network in based in Los Angeles California.
What is a tip for success that you would provide someone in your same industry?: Your gift will make room for itself. Identify your gift and create a way to serve others with it.
What excites you most about your industry?: There is a lot to be done to impact the lives of minority special needs parents. The community needs us to think of creative and innovative ways to engagement them to make measurable impact.
What is the biggest challenge you think you or your organization is going to face in the upcoming year?: Community awareness of our services and growth of our donor base to support of efforts.
Who is a Trustee in our community that you admire and why?: LaKeisha Burton of Jacksonville Police Department
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