Project Beacon by KimMoayed

Lighting Paths for Autism

Creating a Community of Belonging

BoardofDirectors

& Co-Founder

KEVIN

President & Co-Founder

A diverse group of professionals accustomed to solving complex problems…

GERRITY

KELLY BAUGHMAN Executive Director

DR. AMY WOOD Vice President

CINDY MELTON Secretary

DAVE ABRAMS Treasurer

GLENN LUCADOU

ROB WOLLARD

AMANDA SMITH

WENDY MAURER

PAUL VANDERWAL

ROB JOHNSON Board Advisor

MISSION VISION

To build a community of belonging where adults with Autism and other neurodiversities can play, learn, work, and live.

Building safe homes and vibrant futures for neurodiverse adults.

OurStrategicRoadmap

Changing the Outcomes for Neurodiverse Adults

We are committed to delivering quality, sustainable solutions for the educational, vocational, social and residential challenges facing the Neurodiverse Community.

Programs & Services designed to meet the needs of the WHOLE person

Big Issues

Underemployment/Unemployment Poor Healthcare Outcomes Economic Sustainability

Medicaid Differences & System Complexity

Aging / Burned-Out Caregivers

No One-Size Fits All Solution First Responder Training Homelessness / Housing Crisis

Market Immaturity & Sustainability

Market Heterogeneity

DSP Outlook

Behavioral Health Abuse / Crime

Research & Data Collection

&Outreach

MontgomeryCountyConnections

Montgomery County Housing Market Study – Underway in partnership with Tri County Behavioral Healthcare

Chair of the Advisory Board for the Lone Star College LifePATH program

Annual planner/facilitator for Autism Acceptance and Awareness Events with LifePATH Program (Past event: Screening of “In a Different Key”)

Founder/Facilitator of the Neuro-Support Networking Group hosted at Interfaith of the Woodlands

Member of the Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force -Neurodiversity Team and Team 4 Housing

Collaborations with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department on their Neurodiversity training efforts.

Well-known and respected at all levels of local leadership (Woodlands Township Board Chair, Ann Snyder and Directors Linda Nelson, Brad Bailey, and Candidate Craig Eissler) and county government leaders (County Judge Mark Keough and Judge Wayne Mack) and state government delegation (Senator Brandon Creighton)

Identification of Vocational and Employment Opportunities with local employers via The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership

Kelly Baughman, Graduate Leadership Montgomery County, Class of 2024

Amy Wood, Leadership Montgomery County, Class of 2025

BusinessCase

The waitlist for Medicaid Waiver services is often 10-20 years

Lifetime costs for caring for one individual with autism are estimated at anywhere from $2-$5M

The state spends ~$1,000/person/day providing support in State Supported Living Centers with mixed results; a new approach is needed and can be fiscally responsible

Few quality private options exist in Texas and costs can be very high These few options are even more limited for high support need individuals Existing programs/locations may not integrate educational, vocational, social or residential solutions

49th Texas Ranks out of 50 for Special Needs Funding

ABoldSolution

Project Beacon will be a place where neurodiverse adults can thrive and become vital and visible members of the community.

Programs intentionally CREATED and DESIGNED for the specialized needs of the Autism Community using research-based strategies derived from behavioral principles

Autism FocusedDesign

ACultureof Caring

EMPATHY, COMPASSION, and concern for the well-being of neurodiverse individuals are prioritized and ingrained in the VALUES, norms, and practices.

Innovative Programs

INNOVATIVE programs focused on learning, recreation, and skill acquisition leveraging cutting-edge TECHNOLOGY and other CREATIVE forms of engagement to enhance the overall educational and experiential process.

Comprehensive Support

WIDE-RANGE of service offerings that are designed to grow the individual to their highest level of independence and SUPPORT them for sustained SUCCESS

Creating PARTNERSHIPS to enhance and drive advancement in programs and provide opportunities for ENGAGEMENT in the community

TheBeacon AccessCenter

2025 Objective:

Operationalize the Project Beacon vision by opening a program location that welcomes individuals across all levels of support

Market Need: 50K+ IDD individuals in MOCO; 10-20 year waiting lists for state support; many current local options full and/or only address a portion of the population

Proven Approach: Behavioral-based curriculum; experienced board and staff members

Flexible Offering: full-time and part-time options; parent focus groups to ID key needs

Waiver eligible: ability to maximize state reimbursements to reduce financial impact

Path to potential residential solution: Project Beacon’s vision includes an intentional community

Funding Needs: Our target is $950k in 2024 for sufficient cash reserves for start-up and $200k for Build Out costs of the Beacon Access Center

OVERVIEW

Full and Part-time programs

designed to increase skills in multiple domain areas

Designed to generalize skills in natural settings on-site and in the community

Individualized to strengthen and grow capabilities to fullest potential.

PATHWAYS PROGRAMS

DESCRIPTION

Project Beacon’s life skills development program aims to empower individuals with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to lead fulfilling lives, achieve their goals, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and society The objectives of the program vary depending on the individual’s specific needs and goals, but generally include:

Life Skills Development

Programs focused on teaching essential life skills such as cooking, budgeting, grocery shopping, laundry, house cleaning, and personal care to promote independent living

Social IQ and Communication Skills

Learning to express needs and wants and how to selfadvocate Learning good conversation skills, developing healthy relationships, and building a positive self-image and self-awareness

Emotional IQ and Behavioral Adaptability

Developing appropriate coping skills, learning how to selfmonitor moods and reactions, and recognizing options, and making positive choices

Therapeutic Arts and Recreation Programs

Art and music therapy to help individuals express themselves and develop emotional regulation skills

Inclusive recreational programs that cater to diverse interests, promoting physical well-being and social engagement.

Technology Assisted Skill Development

Use of assistive technologies and apps to enhance communication, organization, and daily living skills

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to practice vocational and social skills

Community-Based Enrichment Programs

Social clubs and structured group activities. Community events and activities to encourage participation and social interactions

Executive Director and CoFounder

Pre-Vocational Training and Exploration Programs

Exploring different interests and professions, work readiness skills, and self-advocacy

SMILES CLASSES

Supporting Mastery through Inclusive Leisure and Employment Skills

DESCRIPTION

The Beacon SMILES Classes are tailored programs designed specifically for adults with autism or other neurodiversities, offering a safe and supportive environment to explore and learn new skills. These classes focus on promoting creativity, and personal growth by engaging participants in hands-on activities and skill-building exercises Each session is crafted to accommodate various learning styles and paces, ensuring that all participants feel empowered and included

The classes cover a wide range of topics, including technology, entrepreneurship, hobbies, fitness, and creative arts, enabling participants to develop new hobbies, enhance job readiness, and improve social interactions With experienced instructors and a low student-to-teacher ratio, the Beacon SMILES Classes aim to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and foster a sense of community among participants. Whether discovering a passion for creative projects or gaining important vocational skills, these classes offer a meaningful opportunity for adults with autism to thrive in a supportive setting

Beacon Skills Sparks

Technology and Vocational Skills - Digital Marketing - ECommerce and Online Entrepreneurship

Beacon Leisure Quest

Hobbies and Special interests - Fitness & Wellness - Creative Arts and Expression

Beacon Works

The Beacon Works program is a dynamic initiative that offers students hands-on learning opportunities through Project Beacon’s diverse range of enterprise activities Designed for adults with autism and other neurodiverse individuals, Beacon Works provides a real-world, supportive environment where participants can explore their interests, develop practical skills, and gain work experience

Beacon Social Club

The Beacon Social Club is a vibrant, after-hours gathering designed to provide adults with autism and other neurodiverse individuals a fun, social experience in the community Held on Friday nights, this club offers a relaxed and inclusive environment where participants can unwind after the week, meet new friends, and engage in exciting activities.

OVERVIEW

Beacon Skills Sparks

Beacon Leisure Quest

Beacon Works

Beacon Social Club

KELLY BAUGHMAN

Executive

Director

and CoFounder

““Project Beacon is committed to delivering Transformational Adult Autism Services and improving the quality of life outcomes for adults with autism or other neurodiversities “