Autism Acceptance Month, honored in April each year, is just around the corner — and a Jersey City non-profit is continuing its mission to raise acceptance. Whole Spectrum Autism fights for inclusion and acceptance surrounding autism year-round. The non-profit will host various events around Hudson County and North Jersey in the upcoming months — including its annual Autism Acceptance Gala in June. Read more about Whole Spectrum Autism and how you can support this incredible non-profit through the annual gala at Liberty House in Jersey City and other happenings.
The Annual Gala
According to Sherry, founder of Whole Spectrum Autism, many families are unable to fully participate in community life because events are not designed to be safe spaces for those on the autism spectrum. The events hosted by Whole Spectrum Autism are inclusive and meant to celebrate families on the spectrum and reach more families who can benefit from the resources at this non-profit.
Photo Credit: T-FOOT
Whole Spectrum’s most popular event is its annual Autism Acceptance Gala. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, June 27th from 6PM to 11PM at Liberty House, located at 76 Audrey Zapp Drive in Jersey City. Those interested in attending can buy tickets here — tickets are usually $220, but you can get $20 off until April 30th with the early bird price.
This year’s 9th annual gala will be a night of sensory-friendly entertainment and fun. The event provides families on the spectrum with an elegant evening that includes dancing, music, food + drinks, a silent auction, photo booths, guest speakers, and more. All donations go directly to supporting Whole Spectrum Autism’s mission.
Photo Credit: T-FOOT
Other Upcoming Events
Leading up to the gala, Whole Spectrum Autism will also be “Lighting the Night Blue” in Jersey City this April. Each night starting Friday, April 5th at 7PM, the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza in Jersey City will be lit up blue to raise awareness for autism acceptance. The lighting day event will include other activities like face painting, special treats, and empowering speeches to kick off Autism Acceptance Month.
To further support its mission, Whole Spectrum will raise the Autism Flag across Hudson County in various locations. Two flag-raisings will take place in Jersey City on Tuesday, April 2nd: one at City Hall (280 Grove Street) at 11:30AM and another at the Hudson County Courthouse (583 Newark Avenue) at 4:30PM.
Additional flag raisings will be in Bayonne on April 3rd at 4:30PM, Union City on April 4th at 12PM, and Hoboken and West Orange (with more details to be announced).
About Whole Spectrum Autism + Its Mission
Whole Spectrum Autism is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by CEO + Board President Sherry Singh in 2016. The organization’s mission is to champion autism acceptance and inclusion by facilitating community engagement and serving as a voice for families whose loved ones are on the spectrum.
“Whole Spectrum Autism is not just an organization; it’s a lifelong mission,” Sherry told The Hoboken Girl. “We raise autism acceptance by hosting family-friendly, inclusive events throughout the year because autism isn’t just one day or one month – it is everyday living for so many of us.”
The team at Whole Spectrum Autism also includes Rachel Sieg, Executive Director; Nicole Talavera, who handles administration and support; and Ivet Bandirma, a development and organizational consultant.
Sherry’s passion for the mission of Whole Spectrum Autism is personal. As the mother of her 38-year-old son, Ravi, who is on the autism spectrum and non-verbal, she is determined to build truly inclusive communities that welcome her son and families just like hers.
^ Sherry, Founder of Whole Spectrum Autism + her son, Ravi
“For families with adult children with moderate to severe autism, help does not exist. As a society, we have failed at inclusivity in the most basic form: psychological and physical safety for all,” Sherry said. “I envision a world where I can walk outside — in peace — with Ravi; a world where his behaviors don’t scare people, where people are welcoming and loving, and where we all take care of one another. The vision of the community, as a whole, must be to include every single family and individual in community life so that together, we eliminate the loneliness and isolation that is a part of your life when you have a child with a disability. It takes the cooperation of an entire community to make this happen.”
Advocacy and education about autism acceptance are the main focus at Whole Spectrum. By building an inclusive community and creating a dialogue about what true inclusivity means, Sherry and her team can support and be a voice for families who have aged-out adult children with autism.
Remember, you can receive $20 off tickets to Whole Spectrum Autism’s 9th Annual Gala event until April 30th when you purchase early bird tickets.
Whole Spectrum Autism is located at 194 Newark Avenue, 2nd Floor in Jersey City. Buy tickets for the 9th Annual Autism Acceptance Gala in Jersey City here. Families can reach out to office@wholespectrumautism.org with questions.
