According to nonPareil Institute’s Regional Executive Director Wendy Crooks,

“Young adults with autism often possess exceptional intelligence yet remain significantly undervalued. At least 85% of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed, and nearly half have never had a paying job by the age of 25. Without effective solutions, many families are left providing lifelong support. The system to support adults on the spectrum is inconsistent at best and often nonexistent, leaving most with few opportunities.

“At nonPareil Institute, we help bridge that gap by providing technical training and work-readiness skills to hundreds of students. For over 10 years, nonPareil has provided post-secondary instruction programs to help adults with autism build skills, realize their potential, and find optimal independence. nonPareil students learn social and interpersonal skills, complete work-readiness training, and develop marketable skills in areas such as programming, digital art/design, and animation. We empower our students to find and pursue their interests as they focus on their strengths rather than their challenges.

“Participating in North Texas Giving Day has been transformative for nonPareil and the lives of adults with autism we serve. The generosity of our North Texas and nonPareil community has allowed us to expand our services and make a significant impact on our students’ lives. The support of Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has supported nonPareil’s journey of raising almost $500,000 in the past 12 years, enabling us to continue Building Better Futures for Adults with Autism at nonPareil in North Texas.

“At nonPareil, students are embraced by mentors, staff, and peers. They find a community where their differences are celebrated, hone extraordinary technical skills and sharpen social skills that lead to meaningful employment. nonPareil programs offer adults with autism the chance to achieve fulfillment, gain independence and build a strong social network.

To date, nonPareil has helped over 1,000 adults on the autism spectrum. While students benefit from the program, they are not the only ones. Parents and caregivers experience joy and hope as they watch these students become their best selves. nonPareil directly serves adults with autism and indirectly supports their families and friends. Their feedback, volunteerism and advocacy validate the impact of our work and the positive outcomes beyond the program every day. Donations made on North Texas Giving Day directly support the program and the needs of our students, allowing us to continue making a positive impact on their lives.

“At nonPareil, we envision a world where adults with autism can live meaningful, productive, and fulfilled lives with dignity, purpose, and community. Together, we can build better futures for adults with autism and help them thrive with meaning and purpose. Lives are truly better, together!”

* Graphic/photos provided by nonPareil Institute

In 15 years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $566 million into the North Texas community. In 2023, more than $63.9 million was raised through 97,000 donors benefiting 3,249 area nonprofits.

On Thursday, September 19, support nonPareil Institute by clicking here and spreading the word. #NorthTexasGivingDay2024