REED Autism Services Impact Report 2023

TWENTY YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN AUTISM SERVICES

A NOTE FROM THE CEO

When REED’s founding families embarked on their journey to create a program for their children with autism, they envisioned an outstanding educational experience one that was innovative and forward-thinking. That passion, commitment, and desire to redefine what was possible laid the foundation for REED Autism Services

New Jersey has the third highest rate of autism in the country

o decades, this spirit has propelled us in growth that remains laser-focused very best in education and services h autism throughout their lifespan.

counter and the lives we touch every he profound impact of our collective ort will show, we have made but we cannot ignore the reality that unity continues to grapple with ges

allenges, we are steadfast in our ow that together, we can continue to oundaries, and make a meaningful ves of the children, adults, and ivileged to serve

CHANTELLE WALKER

Source:CentersforDseaseContro

A NOTE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN

In reflecting on REED’s past two decades, the Board of Directors extends our deepest gratitude to the founding families whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in bringing us to this significant milestone Their dedication propelled our journey and paved the way for countless others to benefit

This past year, REED reached another major milestone with the opening of our Franklin Lakes campus, enabling us to serve more young children and their families The sentiment we continually hear from parents, "We won the lottery when our child was accepted to REED Academy!" underscores the life-changing impact of the services we provide

The generous gifts and grants we’ve received have played a pivotal role in shaping REED into the impactful organization it is today These contributions have not only supported our existing programs but have also facilitated the development of new initiatives, empowering us to achieve even more. This year, we look forward to filling critical gaps in housing for adults and providing opportunities for teens and young adults with autism.

In many ways, as we commemorate 20 years of service, I feel like we are just getting started. We are confident that REED, with the help of our remarkable community, will continue to make great strides. Thank you for your belief in our mission and for making a difference in the lives of individuals with autism

Sincerely,

SCOTT MARSHALL

A MODEL APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE LIFELONG NEEDS OF AUTISM

MISSION

Rooted in excellence, our programs provide support for individuals with autism so they can thrive and achieve their full potential throughout their lives.

A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

The complex needs of a growing autism community require highly trained staff who implement individualized programming based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), widely considered to be the gold standard for autism treatment.

At REED, we are committed to providing quality and compassionate care to those we serve while also training the next generation of clinicians who impact the lives of individuals with autism Through rigorous supervision and professional development for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), REED is building a workforce equipped to provide scientifically validated services to individuals across the autism spectrum, at REED and beyond

Over the last 20 years, REED-trained BCBAs have impacted the field in a variety of settings including public and private schools, adult service settings, and government agencies.

Partner Agencies & Accreditations

REED ACADEMY

Autism requires specialized education. We create opportunities for each student to reach their full potential

1 in 35 children in New Jersey are identified with autism spectrum disorder

Our services are rooted in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA)

REED’s highly trained staff work one-toone with students ages 3-21, focusing on both academic and essential life skills

Our environments are made for learning with campuses in Oakland and Franklin Lakes, NJ

REED NEXT ADULT SERVICES

Children with autism grow into adults with autism. REED Next grows with them.

1 million teens with autism will age out of schoolbased services over the next decade

With REED Next, adults ages 21+ get the support they need to learn, live, work, and thrive within the community

Our Day Program focuses on job training, employment opportunities, community integration, and support with daily life skills

Three community-based group residences in Bergen County, NJ, provide 24/7 support

Source:AJ

Nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job

%

Rewriting the narrative for inclusive workspaces.

50 80 100+ skills taught using custom curriculum autistic students receiving workforce training

New Jersey’s first hydroponic vertical farm providing training and employment to teens and adults with autism Greens Do Good is an approved vendor of the Division of Vocational

Source AutismSpeaks

1 in 3 children with autism exhibit selfinjurious behavior

REED INTENSIVE BEHAVIOR SERVICES

Complex needs require intensive interventions.

continue self-injurious behavior during their adult lives

Our clinic-based day program addresses self-injurious behavior (SIB), aggression, disruptive behavior, property destruction, elopement, stereotypy, and more

We are one of only a few programs nationally and in New Jersey that specialize in the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behaviors

Source:AutsmNJ

WHAT’S NEXT AT REED

Addressing the needs of a growing autism community.

A new group home in Fair Lawn will open in 2024 in partnership with Bergen County’s United Way and Madeline Corporation

The PATH Transition Program, in partnership with Felician University, will offer a postsecondary college-based experience for students ages 18-21, emphasizing essential career readiness and life skills

PROMOTING ACCEPTANCE & UNDERSTANDING

We are frequently called upon to share our expertise and create important conversations within the community

Collaborating with REED to facilitate conversations with police recruits has been a valuable experience Hearing from parents about their concerns, challenges, and hopes for their autistic adult children encouraged us all to think about how we might approach interactions differently ”

- Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office

We provide insights and perspectives, raising awareness through conferences, special events, media appearances, our Changemakers in Autism Podcast, and "One Big Canvas" children's book series

REED FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM

The REED Foundation for Autism is the charitable engine that supports innovation and excellence in our services. We do this by seeking philanthropic investments from individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as through a variety of annual fundraising events.

IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY

Since its founding in 2016, the Foundation has supported the launch of numerous programs and initiatives.

FRANKLIN LAKES CAMPUS

REED FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM

Throughout the year, our signature events bring together a community with a shared commitment to improving the lives of the children, adults, and families we serve.

$700,000+

raised in 2023 through events

Go the Distance for Autism Bike Event & 5K Fun Run presented by Ramsey Auto Group at Bergen Community College

REED Foundation for Autism Golf Classic held at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale, NJ

REED Foundation for Autism annual Fall Gala celebrating our community

State Support

Philanthropy

REVENUE SOURCES

Program Services

Early on, REED families came together with a deeply personal need to create a brighter future for their children with autism Seeing how the organization has evolved over time to meet the needs of a growing autism community has brought immense joy to my involvement as family, donor, and board member ”

- Beth Picciano, Principal, Ramsey Auto Group

USE OF FUNDS

Fundraising

Workforce Development