IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation.
Spring 2025 • Volume 10, Issue 1
IGNITE Raleigh Makes a Move
We’ve moved up... literally! In March, IGNITE Raleigh moved to a new space that has allowed them to serve more members and provide a variety of new opportunities.
Included in this new space is a fully operational kitchen and a large café area. These larger spaces mean socializing and connecting during meals is easier for more members and cooking classes are now possible. In addition, there is a recreational room with several game consoles, a fitness room with exercise machines, storage for art supplies, and offices for all the staff. The main area where we have our teaching groups is also larger with new chairs so members can comfortably sit and learn.
we are less cramped!” Another member commented on the lighting of the big space saying, “It’s got so much natural sunlight, and this helps me be happy!”
“I love our bigger space way better than the other one,” shared one IGNITE member. “We have more space, and
IGNITE also shares the building with the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) Employment Services, Quality Management, and other ASNC staff, providing ways for members to explore additional ASNC resources.
We hope this space will continue to foster new opportunities for independence, friendship, and growth for our current and future members.
Huge thanks to the ASNC Property Management team and other staff for making this move possible!
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community.
For more information: www.autismsociety-nc.org/ignite
You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: Attn: IGNITE 5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607
News from IGNITE
Educational/Employment
Wayne Brothers Professional Development Workshop
IGNITE members recently attended an exciting professional development workshop at Wayne Brothers Companies in Davidson. This firsthand experience was especially meaningful for our young adult members who benefit from real-world experiences that build confidence, develop employment skills, and explore different work settings. During the visit, members learned about interview dos and don’ts, received resume critiques, and toured the company to get a behind-thescenes look at how things work. These types of experiences are critical in helping autistic individuals navigate their unique career journeys. It was a rewarding and engaging visit, with a Chick-fil-A lunch as the perfect finishing touch! Members left feeling confident and motivated.
Building Independence Delaney’s Internship and Baking Skills Group
My name is Delaney, and I am currently an intern in the Recreational Therapy program at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Recreational therapy focuses on working to help individuals of all ages who have disabilities to develop important life and leisure skills that enhance their overall well-being.
As an intern, I had the opportunity to work at IGNITE, supporting members by engaging them in meaningful social interactions, initiating conversations throughout the day, and encouraging participation during group activities.
One of the aspects I appreciated most about IGNITE is the welcoming atmosphere created by both the staff and members. I also enjoyed the diversity of skills we helped members explore. It was incredibly rewarding to witness the personal growth of IGNITE members as they gained confidence and expanded their abilities.
Making an impact: @XanderLand Studios
Since joining IGNITE Davidson in January 2022, Alex has made an incredible transformation. After relocating from Nevada, he arrived feeling nervous about starting over—new environment, new faces, and new challenges. Navigating this transition while embracing life with autism took courage, and he met it head-on.
In the time that Alex has been a member of IGNITE, he has truly blossomed into a social butterfly. He has confidence in everything he does, especially his YouTube channel, where he shares his passion for LEGO projects, his thoughts on movies, and his favorite music.
Recently, after five years of creating content, Alex took a powerful step by openly sharing his autism diagnosis with his 700+ subscribers. This moment marked a huge milestone in his journey—one that reflected the growth, self-acceptance, and authenticity he continues to embrace each day.
We are proud to celebrate Alex’s impact, not only within IGNITE, but also in the way he’s building community and awareness beyond our walls.
Check him out at https://www.youtube.com/@XanderLand_Studios
News from IGNITE (continued)
Baking group
Every Thursday, I facilitated a baking group for IGNITE members. The sessions were designed to strengthen fundamental baking skills through repetition and hands-on experience. Participants worked with a variety of recipes often focused on individual servings to reinforce consistency and technique. Key concepts such as accurate measuring, sifting, the distinction between overmixing and undermixing, and the importance of combining wet and dry ingredients separately were emphasized throughout the program. In addition to skill-building, the group provided a supportive and calming environment, helping to reduce stress. By the end of the program, many members expressed a newfound confidence in their baking abilities and shared that they found baking to be more approachable and even less stressful than cooking.
Health & Wellness Circuits
Each week, members at IGNITE Davidson do short bouts of different exercises at set intervals as part of its exercise circuits group. As the semester progresses, we increase the time of each circuit, from 30 seconds, to 45, up to 60 seconds per exercise, completing three to four cycles of the circuit. Circuit training provides members with diverse exercises to help maintain fitness and teaches them more about the focus of each exercise (like specific muscle groups), while also letting them try the exercise with less fatigue. Throughout the semester, members work on
exercises that help with balance, conditioning, mindfulness, and strength training.
Exercise
At IGNITE Raleigh, exercise is about more than just physical health—it is a chance for our members to connect, build confidence, and grow together. Our weekly activities like disc golf, yoga, walking, and fitness classes at the YMCA give members a variety of fun, supportive ways to stay active. These groups help build important independent living skills like communication, teamwork, and sticking to a routine.
Whether it’s encouraging a friend on the trail or trying a new stretch in yoga, every group is an opportunity to grow stronger—inside and out. Exercising together also helps our members feel motivated and included no matter what their ability level. We are proud to offer wellness programs that bring our IGNITE Raleigh community closer while supporting healthy, independent lives.
News from IGNITE (continued)
Transportation
New Micro Transit comes to Charlotte Transportation is key when it comes to independence and we are excited to see many of our members embracing new ways to get around!
The launch of CATS Micro Transit in the north Charlotte area has been a game-changer. Several members are now confidently using this affordable, flexible service to travel to and from IGNITE, and even to meet up with friends on the weekends. One member shared “It was such a relief to not feel like a burden to my grandfather,” who was her primary mode of transportation.
Additionally, some members are utilizing other options like Uber and the city bus system. These services open doors, literally and figuratively.
Having access to affordable transportation options helps members take more control of their schedules, explore the community, and strengthen friendships. Learning to navigate transportation is a big step toward achieving personal goals and gaining confidence and independence. We are so proud to see our members growing on their journey.
All aboard!
Full steam ahead! Our partnership with the Cary Police Department (PD) continues to thrive and enrich our programming in many ways. Cary PD, along with the Autism
Society of North Carolina (ASNC) Family Support department worked with the New Hope Valley Railway/North Carolina Railway Museum (NCRM) in New Hill, NC to offer a special April event for Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month! Thanks to these wonderful community partnerships, IGNITE Raleigh, along with other ASNC communities (including autistic adults and ASNC program families) were invited for an unforgettable ride on this historic railroad with discounted train tickets donated by NCRM. “Also affectionately known as the ‘Triangle’s Train’ [New Hope Valley Railway], travels along four miles of historic railroad track through piney woods and over a trestle on an hour-long, round trip from Bonsal to New Hill and back.” (www.triangletrain.com/)
Members had a wonderful time exploring the museum, riding the train, interacting with the local Cary police officers, and having fun building new connections. A valuable outcome of this event was the autism education and awareness that NCRM made possible. In their “Tarheel Telegrapher” newsletter, Velinda Chapman shared: “Understanding and accepting individual behaviors may help us to be more comfortable being a part of their unique experience.” In preparation for this event, the NCRM reviewed educational resources provided by the ASNC Family Support department to deepen their understanding of autism.
Thank you to ASNC’s Family Support department and to NCRM Triangle’s Train team for a wonderful Autism Awareness & Acceptance event. IGNITE Raleigh had a ‘locomotive’ time!
Donor Spotlight: MSC Industrial Supply Co
IGNITE would like to give a special shoutout to MSC Industrial Supply Co. in Davidson, NC. MSC is a leading Northern American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services with the motto: “Built to make you better.” At IGNITE, we know they live by that motto as they help our IGNITE members live their best lives.
Each month, Lea Wissell, Launch Program Associate at MSC, organizes an activity with IGNITE Davidson. MSC’s young adult volunteers join forces with IGNITE’s young adult members to participate in activities like scavenger hunts, capture-the-flag, and kickball. They also engage together in skill lessons focused on communication, independent living, and more.
The partnership MSC and IGNITE share promotes awareness and acceptance as IGNITE members illustrate all that is possible for people on the spectrum and MSC volunteers enhance members’ skills and experience. The shared time together each month helps build an inclusive and supportive community for all.
In addition to their volunteer work, MSC also provides funding to support IGNITE.
We are grateful to MSC Industrial Supply Co. for their ongoing support and commitment to the Autism Society of North Carolina’s mission to improve the lives of individuals with autism, support their families, and educate communities. Thank you, MSC!
Ray J’s Movie Review
“Better Man” is the wildly captivating true story of British pop superstar Robbie Williams and his rollercoaster career. In the film, Williams is portrayed as a CG-animated anthropomorphic chimpanzee, reflecting Robbie’s self-perception that he is less evolved than other people.
I knew not a single thing about the career of Robbie Williams, other than I was familiar with his name and the name of his boy band. Never heard a single song. Nothing.
This film intrigued me for multiple reasons: it is unabashedly a musical biopic with full-fledged musical numbers; it is directed by Michael Gracey, director of the wildly popular mainstream hit “The Greatest Showman;” and the artist is portrayed as a chimpanzee.
I absolutely adored this movie! The portrayal of Williams as a chimp works quite well given the story of his life and career. The CG-animated chimp was giving PERFORMANCE and STYLE from the very beginning with emotive facial expressions and body movements, hairstyles, dance moves . . . everything was mind-blowing!
I truly enjoyed all the musical numbers. They arrived during pivotal moments in Williams’ life and career. The songs featured are Williams’ own, as well as those from his days with the UK boy band Take That, and a few covers. There are flashy and fun numbers like “I Found Heaven,” “Rock DJ,” and “Relight My Fire” as well as visually creative, punch-to-the-gut emotional numbers such as “Come Undone,” “She’s the One,” and “Angels.”
The film depicts the emotional traumas endured by Williams: abusive and controlling music industry management, pressure from his father, uncertainty about what he truly wants to do. He clearly battled inner demons that caused him to treat family, friends, and loved ones badly. The film does a fantastic job of portraying Robbie’s journey.
“Better Man” is no ordinary biopic! It’s evolved! Even if you aren’t familiar with Robbie Williams or his music, I would venture to say this film will ENTERTAIN YOU! It’s gorgeously filmed and packed with memorable musical numbers. @rayjsreviews_autismfriendly on Instagram
A Milestone for IGNITE Member Terrell
Terrell recently reached a major milestone when he began living independently for the first time! He felt “mature” and “excited” when he got the keys to his new place, and ready to take on new responsibilities. Terrell says independence means “being able to do things on my own,” and “building social connections” in his community.
One of Terrell’s biggest concerns about living independently was staying safe and knowing what to do in case of an emergency. Thanks to support from his aunt and what he learned in IGNITE group sessions like cooking, goal setting, and safety, he built the skills needed to succeed. He is proud of not only living on his own but also of recently earning his associate’s degree.
Since living independently, Terrell has been “prioritizing my responsibilities” and developing new routines like “cleaning and being aware of my surroundings.”
His takeaway to share with others looking to become more independent? “Once you live independently, you will learn how to advocate for yourself.”
Way to go, Terrell!
IGNITE Staff
Mindy Govan, Director
Davidson Staff
Alicia Lenhart, Senior Program Director
Hillary Hedgecock, Program Coordinator
Raleigh Staff
Dianna Padilla, Program Director
Larissa Dodd, Program Coordinator
Kiana Law, Program Coordinator
Ray J Evernham, Program Coordinator
Natalie Womble, Program Coordinator
Hazel Grotenhuis, IGNITE Support Professional