Project Beacon

Lighting Paths for Autism Creating a Community of Belonging

Board of Directors

KELLY BAUGHMAN

Executive Director & Co-Founder

KEVIN GERRITY

President & Co-Founder

DR. AMY WOOD Vice President

CINDY MELTON

DAVE ABRAMS

GLENN LUCADOU

ROB WOLLARD

AMANDA SMITH

WENDY MAURER

Secretary

PAUL VANDERWAL

Treasurer

ROB JOHNSON Board Advisor

A diverse group of professionals accustomed to solving complex problems…

MISSION

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

VISION

Building safe homes and vibrant futures for neurodiverse adults.

Our Strategic Roadmap 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.

2023

Social Enrichment Programs Developing Friendships & Social Skills

Transition Academy Highly Structured Program to facilitate independent living 2025

The Beacon Access Center Building Independent Living & Quality of Life skills

Vocation Training and Programs Building Skills for Employment

Intentional Residential Community Living in a supported, caring, inclusive environment

Programs & Services designed to meet the needs of the WHOLE person Access to Local Housing

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

Community Engagement

Problem-Solving Abilities

Personal Data Collection

Personal Safety

Financial Literacy & Planning Fitness & Nutrition

Inclusion & Integration Household Management

Mental Health

Socialization & Loneliness

Self Determination

Navigating Transportation

Job Training and Employment Market Immaturity & Sustainability Market Heterogeneity DSP Outlook Behavioral Health Abuse / Crime Research & Data Collection

Programs & Services

Advocacy & Outreach

Capacity Building

A Caring Culture

Montgomery County Connections 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

Strategic Partners Servant Leadership Licensed Professionals Engaged Staff

Business Case 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

Texas Ranks

49th out of

Few quality private options exist in Texas and costs can be very high

50 for Special Needs Funding

These few options are even more limited for high support need individuals

Existing programs/locations may not integrate educational, vocational, social or residential solutions

A Bold Solution 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 Focused Design

A Culture of Caring

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

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

Comprehensive WIDE-RANGE of service offerings Support

Connection to Community

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

The Beacon Access Center 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

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:

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.

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.

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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.

OVERVIEW Beacon Skills Sparks Beacon Leisure Quest Beacon Works Beacon Social Club

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.

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. “

Residential Solutions

Get in Touch www.projectbeacontx.org info@projectbeacontx.org @projectbeacontx project-beacon-texas @projectbeacontexas @projectbeacontx8184 @projectbeacontx @projectbeacontx

A feeling of belonging is powerful... it enables us, emboldens us, and empowers us to be everything we can be.