2023 Annual Impact Report

Annual Impact Report 2023-2024

Els for Autism Foundation®

Beyond Boundaries: Global Support, Anytime, Anywhere

Through our in-person, virtual, and on-demand programs and services, Els for Autism® supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their caregivers, and professionals around the globe.

Table of Contents

Autism

Autism & Our Impact

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these characteristics. But for people with ASD, these traits can make life very challenging (CDC, 2023).

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to share with you all the significant progress in our efforts of becoming a world leader in transdisciplinary customized programs for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Following the completion of our FiveYear Strategic Planning session, we dedicated 2023 to updating our brand to include our new mission, vision, values, goals, areas of focus, and tagline “Where Possibilities are Endless.” As we look towards our impact for the coming year, we are emphasizing the Els for Autism team’s capacity to assist families on a global scale through our branding and outreach efforts. To date, we have provided services to autistic individuals, their families, and professionals in 28 countries around the globe, which will be highlighted in the coming pages.

Looking back on 2023, we are proud of all our achievements. However, one of the most significant milestones was the opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, providing a dedicated space for autistic adults to thrive on our campus, The Els Center of Excellence®. This 21,000-square-foot facility is home to vocational labs, classrooms, and therapy rooms to support employment and independent living. The Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, located on the first floor of the adult services building, not only offers dining space for our campus community but also serves as the newest location for our Work Experience program training site, where adults with ASD learn skills needed to work in the food industry.

We also launched U Can Employ™, a groundbreaking program that offers direct training, support, and consultation to companies interested in becoming an autism inclusive employer. Companies nationwide have joined the movement, becoming pilot partners of the program.

Additionally, in 2023 we hosted our fourth international conference where world-renowned experts in the field of autism, including our own staff, addressed how recreation can be used as a supplemental intervention. Our RE-Creating Recreation conference is now available on-demand for individuals to access anytime and anywhere worldwide. We also expanded our Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Sports programs to include fitness in addition to golf and tennis. Through our Official Program Providers, individuals with autism around the globe are participating in these programs.

We expanded our reach regionally by partnering with like-minded autism organizations in communities where we hosted Golf Challenge fundraising events. During our tournaments, these organizations were invited to have their clients participate in an Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf Clinic. Not only did we have another successful Golf Challenge season where we raised more than $3.4 million bringing our grand total to the amount raised to $37 million, but we also developed relationships with many valuable community partners in the field of autism throughout North America.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that we secured a significant portion of the funds required to break ground on our specialized autism recreation complex comprised of a gymnasium, pool, and splash pad. Every year, more than 100 individuals with ASD participate in recreational programs on our campus. The gymnasium will allow us to expand our services and provide an indoor space during inclement weather in South Florida.

We look forward to sharing more about our local, regional, and global reach in this year’s Annual Impact Report. Thank you for your dedication and support in allowing us to continue our mission of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism and their families.

Sincerely,

Ernie Els Liezl Els Marvin R. Shanken

Our Financial Position

We are thankful for our donors, employees and volunteers whose generosity and commitment are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASD.

Individual Contributions Business Contributions Foundations and Grants Programs, Rent & Other

Foundations and Grants Programs, Rent & Other

Total Revenue & Support

$2,080,250 $7,870,285 $3,403,582 $1,839,757 $15,193,874

Programs

Fundraising Administrative

Racing Towards the Finish Line: Update on Building Our Recreation Complex

Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children with autism 1

Given that autism significantly impacts communication, social interaction, and motor skills, individuals with ASD often lead less active lifestyles, contributing to potential health issues. In the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children with ASD rises by 19%, with an additional 36% at risk of being overweight. This weight-related concern can expose children to various health problems, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, bone and joint issues, and even depression2.

Recognizing the critical role of recreation services, particularly in addressing these health challenges, we remain dedicated to keeping our clients active. Our team has spearheaded and published research studies demonstrating significant improvements in various skill sets among individuals with ASD who participated in our Ernie Els #GameON Autism® Golf and Tennis programs. Notably, these programs resulted in enhanced communication, social interaction, motor skills, and regulatory abilities. This reinforces our belief that recreation, specifically sports and fitness, can serve as an effective supplemental therapy for individuals with ASD.

In the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children with ASD rises by 19%, with an additional 36% at risk of being overweight.

Currently, we offer multiple recreation programs, including golf, kickball, fitness, yoga, and tennis, at The Els Center of Excellence campus every week. However, challenges arise during inclement weather and high temperatures, as we lack a dedicated space for these programs. In response, we initiated a capital campaign in 2023 to construct an autism-friendly recreation complex which will include a gymnasium, aquatic center, and splash pad.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children with autism, and Florida has the highest number of child drownings resulting in death. The prevalence of elopement and wandering behaviors among individuals with autism is heightened with the abundance of water access points in Florida. By incorporating an aquatic center and splash pad into the recreation complex, our team will be able to offer water safety and swim lessons as integral components of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports programs.

Over the summer, we secured our first-ever State of Florida, Agency for Persons with Disabilities appropriation, amounting to $1 million, to support the construction of the complex. This was in addition to the Stanley Black & Decker pledge of $5 million to name the gymnasium, advancing us toward the finish line required to break ground.

Local Reach

We are thankful to our local community surrounding The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, Florida for their continued support. Every day, more than 50 individuals participate in our programs and receive services from our team on our campus. The Els for Autism team takes pride in giving back through outreach efforts and collaborative partnerships. In 2023, one of our goals was to intentionally increase the impact of our programs and services in underserved communities. We were successful in expanding our reach and impact through several key initiatives.

Support, Training & Employment

To support caregivers serving underserved foster children with behavioral and developmental needs living in HomeSafe Group Homes in Palm Beach County, our team provided evidence-based behavioral parent/ caregiver training at no cost. This training program teaches HomeSafe caregivers to use applied behavioral analysis techniques to manage challenging behaviors and to teach new skills to support the foster children they serve. In addition to the HomeSafe team gaining knowledge and skills to support the children in their care, they can now transfer what they learned to family members of the foster children upon adoption or re-entry into their home.

Our team also worked together with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Palm Beach County and Community Partners to provide training to staff and families on ASD and co-occurring mental health needs with specific strategies for this population. Our team also takes part in the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Mental Health task force to share ideas and learn new strategies to support the mental health needs of people with ASD and those who care for them.

On the employment front, we now have nearly 50 employer partners in both Palm Beach and Martin Counties serving as training and paid employment sites. One of these organizations was Marriott Singer Island, which we engaged with as a Work Experience (WE) site to provide vocational training for individuals with ASD living in the underserved community of Riviera Beach. The training provides increased experience and knowledge for better opportunities to secure paid employment. Through our employment programs, not only are we supporting autistic adults to reach their goal of paid employment, but we are also helping businesses in the community fill vacant positions.

Through our Sea of Possibilities outreach efforts, we reach nearly 4,000 members of the community on an annual basis

Partnerships

Our adults participating in the Adult Day Training (ADT) program have partnered with Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League to prepackage pet food for Peggy’s Pantry, which is for families who have fallen on financial hardship and need assistance to feed their pets.

In addition to our efforts to increase support to underserved communities in Palm Beach County, our local impact reaches residents in many other ways. Our adult clients, working in our Sea of Possibilities microbusiness, are out in the community at many events and businesses, including the Gardens GreenMarket, Manatee Lagoon, and Loggerhead Marine Life Center. In fact, through our Sea of Possibilities outreach efforts, we reach nearly 4,000 members of the community on an annual basis.

Community

Finally, we opened our gates to the community to participate in two autism-friendly events. In April, we hosted our 4th annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K featuring a course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area. Through the efforts of The Learning Academy (TLA), the Jupiter Flatwoods was dedicated as the first autism-friendly natural area in Florida by the FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and is adjacent to The Els Center of Excellence. Then, in October, we hosted our 2nd annual FALLoween Festival and invited the public to attend. Our FALLoween Festival provides a safe and welcoming space for children and adults to enjoy the fall season.

Through all of these outreach efforts and collaborative partnerships, we are creating autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in our own backyard.

Global Reach

In Jupiter, Florida, we have created a haven for individuals with ASD and their caregivers to receive services across all ages. We continue building relationships with the community to provide services in our backyard; however, our reach is limitless.

United Kingdom

The focus of the Els for Autism United Kingdom (UK) Foundation is to raise money to support organizations in the UK that provide services to individuals with ASD. Thus far, their primary support has been through funding the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program led by Official Program Providers (OPPs). The Golf Trust, headquartered in London, is one of the longeststanding and most active OPPs. The Golf Trust has also collaborated with the Els for Autism U.S. team in conducting research, co-chairing our International Golf Tournament, and presenting at our most recent global autism recreation conference.

Canada

Els for Autism Canada regularly hosts the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf programs. They participated in our second annual Ernie Els #GameON Autism International Golf Tournament with teams from the U.S., South Africa, Ghana, and the United Kingdom. With the support of Els for Autism Canada, we conducted a multi-site, telehealth group parent training study. This study led to a manuscript submitted for publication. Additionally, the findings of our research were presented at a national conference in November 2023.

South Africa

Els for Autism South Africa (SA) is an Official Program Provider (OPP) of the Ernie Els #Game ON Autism Golf program. They fundraise to support autism programming and offer caregiver training, including the RUBI Autism Network Parent Training program. Collaborating with our US team, Els for Autism SA engages in research, professional development, and observership activities. Through our Global Outreach Autism Learning Services (GOALS) program, our highly qualified team of professionals has provided consultation and training to families in SA, and we have served as an advanced placement internship site for SA university students seeking international study opportunities.

“As we continue our mission to become a global leader in autism, we take pride in our reach thus far and look forward to continuing to serve individuals, their families, and professionals, no matter where they call home.”

- Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC Executive Director, Els for Autism

Autism knows no bounds and affects individuals of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. This is why Els for Autism continues to push the boundaries and expand well beyond the services provided on our campus.

Egypt

Studying the design of the education wings on our campus, we published a research article with Dr. Magda Mostafa from the American University of Cairo, on the impact of ASPECTSS®, the first set of evidence-based design guidelines worldwide to address built environments for autistic individuals. Dr. Mostafa is currently working with our team on the design of our specialized autism-friendly recreation complex.

The Bahamas

Our team is entering its third year working alongside Blairwood Academy in Nassau. Blairwood Academy serves a wide range of students, including individuals with autism and learning disabilities. Blairwood Academy is an OPP of the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf program and has successfully replicated and is running our Work Experience (WE) Program.

In July 2023, the vice principal of Blairwood Academy, along with three staff and three students, spent time on our campus to participate in professional training, therapeutic services, and our Movin’ and Groovin’ Summer Camp. The visit held importance for both the students and their teachers because it marked the first occasion for the Blairwood team to interact with our team in person and utilize our services for their students.

Expanding & Advancing Our 3 Primary Impact Areas

From the moment of diagnosis throughout the school years and into adulthood, the team at Els for Autism provides lifespan programs and services in three primary impact areas: Early Intervention & Education, Recreation, and Adult Services. We are proud of our expansions and advancements in 2023 across these impact areas. Here are some highlights:

Early Intervention & Education Services

Advancing Early Diagnosis, Assessment, & Intervention

In 2023, the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network report updated the prevalence rate to indicate that 1 in 36 children in the USA have been identified with ASD, with notably higher rates amongst children from diverse racial and ethnic groups than previously reported.

The Els for Autism team is committed to increasing outreach, awareness, and access to our services to children and families from diverse backgrounds and communities. We are grateful that funding was made available in 2023 to provide these services at no cost to children at risk for or diagnosed with ASD and their families from low-income/underserved communities. We are also proud to have exceeded our goal of ensuring 15% of all new clients in 2023 were from underserved areas.

To implement advanced technology interventions into our programs, we engaged with EarliTec Diagnostics, Inc. to purchase and utilize the new clinically validated, FDA-authorized EarliPoint™ autism evaluation tool. The EarliPoint device supports greater access to high-quality diagnosis and assessment for children ages 16 to 30 months at risk for ASD. EarliPoint will allow the Els for Autism team to see more families with decreased wait list times while still providing a gold-standard autism evaluation.

Recreation Services

Expanding Our Global Reach Through Recreation

Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports continues to reach people with autism worldwide through our Official Program Providers. To broaden our reach and promote program growth, we expanded the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports series to include fitness, in addition to tennis and golf.

Our fitness program is designed for individuals with autism to build and improve strength and cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, self-esteem, and confidence in a fun, individualized, and supportive environment. The curriculum consists of 12 group lessons and utilizes specially designed instruction that delivers comprehensive fitness and specific autism-focused learning objectives. Evidence-based practices for autism are embedded throughout and aid in improving gross, fine motor, and social skills and overall health and wellness.

As we continue to expand the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports series, we are dedicated to supporting access to evidence-based recreation programs that positively impact the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals with autism around the world by providing training and curriculum access to all OPPs across the globe.

Social Connections Around the Globe

Our recreation team runs three virtual clubs specifically designed for individuals with autism who are 16 years of age and older. These clubs are open to anyone living anywhere. Our Amateur Spectrum Book Club focuses on fundamental reading skills, while our Pro Spectrum Book Club emphasizes advanced reading skills. Both book clubs allow clients to participate as readers or actively listen to their peers. Additionally, our Connection Club supports individuals with ASD in safely connecting with peers to practice social and communication skills through discussion topics, games, and activities.

Our virtual clubs, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and connections, offer a welcoming and safe space for autistic individuals to engage in meaningful and purposeful social interactions and activities. Offering virtual access to programs reinforces our commitment to expanding our global reach, ensuring wherever you are, Els for Autism is there.

Adult Services

Advancing Our Offerings

One of the most pressing concerns for parents of autistic children is their transition after high school. While some individuals can and will pursue post-secondary education, others require alternative paths. Opening the Stoops Family Adult Services Building on our campus was significant to many autistic adults and their families. The building has allowed us to increase the number of clients we serve and the number of programs we offer. We increased the number of clients participating in our Adult Day Training (ADT) Program from 17 to 24 between August and December 2023, and we are excited to continue enrolling participants with a goal of 55 clients.

They say the heart of the home is the kitchen. We say the heart of the adult services building is the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, which serves as one of our state-of-the-art vocational labs supporting daily living and vocational training for the clients in our ADT program and individuals enrolled in our Work Experience (WE) program.  In our cafe, our adult clients learn essential skills to excel in the food industry. The cafe is also a place of meaningful paid employment for an individual with autism.

Expanding Employment Opportunities for Adults with ASD

We now have seven dedicated WE program host sites, with two of our newest WE sites located in underserved areas. Our focus has been on creating employment opportunities for our clients through collaborative partnerships with community-based employers. As a result, 42% of our active clients secured paid employment in 2023. Moving forward, we are committed to working with local businesses to increase employment opportunities for adults with autism, creating a more autism inclusive workforce.

Through advancements in early diagnostic tools, global expansion of recreational programs, and the establishment of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, Els for Autism not only exceeded its goals in 2023, but also paved the way for increased inclusivity, support, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism, their families, and other caregivers for a lifetime.

Family Spotlight

From South Africa to South Florida

Dhivaan Salig’s Family Connection with Els for Autism

Last summer, Dhivaan Salig completed an internship with our Development & Marketing Department. His first day on the job, he listened to the team trying to decide what to rename the programs and services newsletter. He said, “Why don’t you just call it ‘The AWEtism Report?” The team exclaimed, “Why didn’t we think of that?!” That’s when we realized Dhivaan would learn from us, and we’d learn from him, too.

Although Dhivaan’s time as an intern was short, his family’s deep connection with Els for Autism dates back to 2009 when they lived in South Africa. We asked him to share his family’s journey to South Florida to receive services for his brother.

“When we first learned about Els for Autism, it provided a golden opportunity for my brother to receive the proper education he needed,” he shared. “It was a difficult transition for me, but eventually I realized the importance of why we moved, and I accepted Florida as my home.”

Both Dhivaan and his brother, Rhevaal, have autism. However, since autism is a spectrum, the brothers naturally are impacted differently. Dhivaan attended G-Star School of the Arts, going on to receive a bachelor’s degree in communication from Florida Atlantic University this past December. The degree was conferred cum laude. Rhevaal is nonspeaking, and he attended The Learning Academy (TLA) Palm Beach County public charter school, housed in the Shanken Education Wing on The Els Center of Excellence campus. “It can be hard to understand exactly what he wants, and it can get frustrating at times. Yet, Rhevaal is a very gentle and cool guy, which is why we often refer to him as ‘The Legend’,’’ said Dhivaan.

Rhevaal graduated from TLA in 2022 and now participates in the Adult Day Training (ADT) program that is housed inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building on our campus. “The ADT program seems to be doing wonders for my brother. He is becoming more independent and is generally happier.”

In addition, with the opening of the Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els inside the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, Dhivaan’s mom, Vasi, who is a very talented baker and chef, joined the staff sharing her gluten-free and other culinary creations with patrons. “Nothing gives my mum more pleasure than sharing a lovingly prepared meal with friends and family. I am so glad she is sharing her skills at the cafe. Her cooking is so great, it might even make Gordon Ramsey take notes!”

Certainly, Dhivaan gained valuable insights that will contribute to his career path; however, his internship provided more than just professional growth. “Before becoming an intern at Els for Autism, I never fully appreciated how much care and hard work is put into the well-being and education of individuals with autism. The people at Els for Autism are all very caring and put in a lot of effort to make sure individuals with autism are educated and become fully functional citizens while also spreading awareness and acceptance of autism across the world.”

At the end of his internship, Communication Specialist and Advisory Board Chair Merrick Egber invited Dhivaan to join the Advisory Board. As a board member, he continues to provide insight and guidance to our team to help more families, like his own, reach limitless possibilities.

Join the Movement U Can Employ™

Transforming Businesses into Autism Inclusive Employers

Research shows many benefits to employing individuals with autism, including access to a large, untapped group of potential employees, with almost 5.4 million adults in America diagnosed with ASD. U Can Employ (UCE), powered by Els for Autism, is a groundbreaking program that equips companies – large and small – with the essential tools and strategies for embedding autism inclusion into the company’s fabric, ensuring each business can recruit, hire, onboard, and retain autistic employees.

By fostering an autism inclusive workplace, U Can Employ aims to change the employment landscape for individuals with autism nationwide. The UCE team is committed to initiating internal transformations within businesses, recognizing the increasing importance of diversity and inclusion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. An autism inclusive workplace aligns with ESG principles and positively impacts a company’s financial performance, enhancing revenue and reducing costs.

Furthermore, employers frequently acknowledge the exceptional dedication of individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities, noting their excellence in attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and adherence to workplace policies. UCE offers services ranging from digital resources to specialized elite packages, including on-site concierge consultation services, access to valuable custom-made resources, and a thorough review of each company’s human resources practices with recommendations to set the stage for becoming an autism inclusive employer.

Current UCE Partners

Arcis Golf, Stanley Black & Decker, Ensono, and Els for Autism

We are grateful to the Make Waves Family Foundation for the generous $1 million grant allowing us to create and launch U Can Employ.

1Source: Solomon, C., 2020 - Autism and employment: Implications for Employers and Adults with ASD

89% higher retention rate

72% increase in employee productivity

28% increase in profitability

Source: APSE

Golf Challenge

A Swinging Success!

Through our Golf Challenge regional event series, golf allows us to make and foster meaningful connections, uniting individuals with a shared passion for the game and a common commitment to making a positive impact in the autism community worldwide.

Spearheaded by World Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, the Els for Autism Golf Challenge consists of a series of regional events at top-rated golf courses across the United States and Canada. 2023 marked the 13th Annual Golf Challenge series where over $3.4 million was raised thanks to the generous support of players, teams, and sponsors. Since its inception in 2011, the Golf Challenge regional event series has raised over $37 million for Els for Autism. To learn more or to join the Challenge, visit e4agolf.com.

During the 2023 Golf Challenge regional event series, Els for Autism partnered with like-minded autism organizations through Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf clinics and networking opportunities at nine different events.

Bear Lakes Country Club

Golf Provider: Els for Autism Recreation Department

Clinic Participants: Students from The Learning Academy

The Golf Club of Georgia

Golf Provider: Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA)

Clinic Participants: Members of the GSGA Adaptive Golf Program

Philadelphia Country Club

Golf Provider: The First Tee of Philadelphia

Clinic Participants: Clients of Project Elijah Empowering Autism

Windsong Farm Golf Club

Golf Provider: The First Tee of Minnesota

Giveback Partner & Clinic Participants: Students and Graduates of Minnesota Independence College and Community

The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge

Golf Provider: The First Tee of Greater Seattle

Clinic Participants: Clients of The Trellis Center

Wethersfield Country Club

Giveback Partner: FOCUS Center for Autism

Baltimore Country Club

Golf Provider: Els for Autism Foundation

Clinic Participants: Kennedy Krieger

The Clubs of Prestonwood

Golf Provider: NeuroDiscovery Center of North Texas

Clinic Participants: NeuroDiscovery Center of North Texas

Point O’ Woods Golf & Country Club

Giveback Partner: Lighthouse Autism Center

Hear from our partners!

2023 Clinic Host

The First Tee of Greater Seattle

Allen May, Assistant Program Director, Golf & Life Skills Coach

“For the last two years, First Tee - Greater Seattle had the privilege to host an Els for Autism clinic at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge. We are thrilled to see participants’, coaches’, and parents’ smiles as they move through activities, high-fiving, fistbumping, and celebrating along the way! This event is unique for First Tee, and one we look forward to hosting each year. For one hour, we get to host fun and engaging activities and create memories that will last a lifetime for all. We can’t wait to be back next year!”

2023 Giveback Partner & Clinic Participant

Minnesota Independence College and Community Ben Lentz, Chief Advancement Officer

“Participating in the Ernie Els #GameON Autism Golf clinic at Windsong Farms Golf Club was a profound testament to the aligned visions of the Els for Autism Foundation and MICC. Participants’ diverse golfing backgrounds were unified under the expert guidance of the First Tee instructors. As they delved into the game, the vibrant energy of friendly competitions, like the putt-off, became palpable. The competition was intense at times, but when someone drained a long putt, they all celebrated. The instructors provided just enough guidance to let them explore on their own while encouraging everyone to develop skills.”

Officers, Board Members & Executive Leadership

Officers

Michael Alessandri, PhD, Chair

Executive Director, University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

Clinical Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics & Assistant Chair, Department of Psychology, University of Miami

Liezl Els, Managing Director, Founder Els for Autism Foundation

Stuart Makin, Treasurer Partner, Stonehage Limited

Pamela Minelli, Secretary Co-Founder, Autism Project of Palm Beach County

Board Members

Ernie Els, Founder Els for Autism Foundation

Giuseppe Ciucci, Chief Executive Chairman of the Board, Stonehage Limited

Patrick McMahon

Chief Executive Officer, Founder Co-Chief Investment Officer, MKP Capital Management, LLC

Steve Peck

SAP Global Alliance Relationship Leader, EY

Executive Leadership

Marlene Sotelo, EdD, BCBA-D, MT-BC Executive Director

Yvonne D’Amelio Chief Financial Officer

Erin Brooker Lozott, EdD, BCBA-D, CCC-SLP Program Director

Paige Thomas Director of Development & Marketing

Marvin R. Shanken, Honorary Chair, Founder

Els for Autism Foundation

Publisher & Founder, M. Shanken Communications

“Serving as Board Chair for the Els for Autism Foundation gives me an enormous sense of personal and professional pride. The global impact of our transformative work on behalf of the autism community is truly humbling and inspiring.”

- Dr. Michael Alessandri Chair, Els for Autism

Left to right: Patrick McMahon, Michael Alessandri, Ernie Els, Liezl Els, Marlene Sotelo, Steve Peck, Pamela Minelli, Stuart Makin

Autism Spectrum Award

Andrew Blitman, 2023 Winner

Since 2015, we have annually honored an individual with autism living in the U.S. or Canada who has shined a positive light through their character, positive attitude, and contributions. The Autism Spectrum Award (ASA) winner receives an engraved award, an invite to the Golf Challenge Grand Finale, and a nomination to sit on the Els for Autism Advisory Board. Over the years, the winners have represented excellence in self-advocacy, empathy, and pursuing the dreams that have captivated the population who follow them.

The 2023 winner was Andrew Blitman. While Andrew possesses a creative drive as a painter, art instructor, author, and poet, he also aspires to make the world a better place through mentoring and tutoring in subjects like math and science.

“This is the first time in probably my entire life I can say I am happy to have autism. Perhaps my struggles were vindicated, and I can move forward and continue to help people in need whenever my experiences are relevant to their problems,” said Advisory Board Member Andrew Blitman upon being named the 2023 Autism Spectrum Award Winner.

Advisory Board

The Els for Autism Advisory Board is made up of autistic adult self-advocates who serve to provide recommendations through their life experiences to enhance the quality of the Foundation’s interactions with clients, their families, and caregivers.

Board Members

Merrick Egber, Chair

Sue Abramowski

Andrew Blitman

Gyasi Burks-Abbot

Mike DiMauro

Adam Jones

Kerry Magro, Ed.D., CAS

Ron Sandison

Katie Santoro

Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.

Dhivaan Salig

Connor B. Sturgis

James A. Williams

Left to right: Merrick Egber, Dr. Robin Jones, Andrew Blitman, Dr. Marlene Sotelo

Make an Impact

As we continue to create a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism, there are limitless ways to give back to the community we serve.

Financial

As a nonprofit organization, Els for Autism relies on charitable financial support. Donations given ensure individuals with autism continue to receive the support needed to live productive fulfilling lives. With 86¢ of every $1 directly supporting our programs and services, know your gift makes an impact!

From general donations to planned giving to naming opportunities, scan the QR code to donate your way. If you prefer to mail your donation, please make checks payable to Els for Autism, 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, Florida 33458. For more information, including wiring instructions, please contact Development@ElsForAutism.org.

Volunteer

Whether you need community service hours, looking for a group team building activity, you are retired and looking for something fulfilling to do, or you have a specialized skill you would like to share, we have a large variety of volunteer options. There are endless ways to volunteer. Get matched with the perfect opportunity by emailing Volunteer@ ElsForAutism.org

Host an Event

With affiliate events, you can host an event at anytime and anywhere around the globe. While you may immediately think of a golf tournament, we have seen a wide variety of events, including pet shows, 5K races, fashion shows, and even a sidewalk chalk contest. Each affiliate event host, which can be an individual, family, or organization, is responsible for the event’s program, fundraising efforts, activities, registrations, and volunteers. This allows the event host to have creative control of the event all while giving back to a great cause. Email Events@ElsForAutism.org to learn more.

“I volunteered for the opportunity to make an impact in the lives of persons with autism and their caregivers. Everyone knows Els for Autism – it’s a beautiful organization and the work they do is amazing.”

-Claire Kelderman, Clinician and Recent College Graduate

Partner Employment

No matter your business size or location, our employment team is here to partner with you to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain individuals with autism. Employers often find individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities to be exceptionally dedicated, excelling in attendance, punctuality, job tenure, and following workplace policies. To learn about our different employment programs, please email AdultServices@ElsForAutism.org.

Official Program Provider

The Ernie Els #GameON Autism Sports programs are infused with evidence-based practices for teaching golf, tennis, and fitness to people with ASD. Bring one of the programs to your community by becoming an Official Program Provider by completing our online training course. Sports@ElsForAutism.org to learn more.

Join

From our annual Golf Challenge series to our Roots & Ruts 5K to Liezl’s Tea Party, attend one of our events hosted throughout the year around the country and on our campus. Visit our website to learn more about our upcoming events. Scan the QR code to subscribe to our e-mailing list.

Celebrating Ben’s 21st Birthday A Giving Tuesday Success

Ben Els celebrated his 21st birthday in the fall of 2023, a significant milestone. To honor this occasion, we launched a “21 Days of Giving” campaign leading up to Giving Tuesday, a global movement promoting radical generosity. Each day, for 21 days, we shared a new fact about Els for Autism on social media, featuring photos of Ben’s growth over the years. Simultaneously, a four-part email campaign was initiated, aimed to educate people about autism and highlight the comprehensive programs and services of Els for Autism for individuals with autism and their caregivers worldwide.

We set a goal to raise $21,000 in celebration of Ben’s 21st birthday. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community of supporters, not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it, raising a remarkable total of over $111,000. This marked our most successful Giving Tuesday campaign to date.

The campaign aligned with our new foundation video, which showcases the grand opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building and the adults, like Ben, who are thriving each day through new programs and services. When the students exit the school system, they have a place to call home at Els for Autism. This facility enables adults to thrive through essential programs and services post-exiting the school system.

Stoops Family Adult Services Building

Many essential services autistic individuals have relied on their entire life end after turning 21. With the opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, Els for Autism has expanded programs and services to support even more adults with autism and to develop replicable programs for providers across the world to put in place in their centers.