Autism Research and Resources of Oregon

Family Holiday Assistance Project

It can happen to anyone, and it can be tough having a family member with Autism. If you also have financial difficulties, then the holidays can be completely overwhelming. Sometimes, your family member with Autism does not understand, and there is no way to explain it to him or her. When that family member is a child, it can be even worse if there are siblings who are overwhelmingly disappointed too. The distress can literally overwhelm your family.

That’s where we come in. ARROAutism established this project in 2007 to assist families during the holidays. At the beginning, each family was individually evaluated, and the amount of assistance rendered was based on funds available, and on need.

By 2009 we realized that the need for assistance was far greater than initially realized, so the program was changed to provide a standard amount to each family identified by the county developmental disabilities programs. This has also helped us to reach many more families in need.

2009 : 43 Families Helped with Gift Cards

2010 : 77 Families Helped with Gift Cards

2011 : 42 Families Helped with Gift Cards

2012 : 20 Families Helped with Gift Cards Plus Toys

2013 : 52 Families Helped with Gift Cards Plus Toys

2014 : 80 Families Helped with Gift Cards Plus Toys

2015: 100 Families Helped with Gift Cards Plus Toys

2016: 150 Families Helped with Gift Cards Plus Toys

This year our goal is to provide assistance to 175 families.

Families are selected by their County Developmental Disabilities Program Case Manager.

In the 2017 Oregon Developmental Disabilities census Multnomah County had 691 adults and 670 children with autism, Washington County had 344 adults and 370 children with autism, and Clackamas County had 525 adults and 497 children with autism. There is a great need for this assistance throughout Oregon. The 2017  Oregon census for adults and children with autism was 6,382.

Selected families are then given two gift cards; one from Fred Meyer’s to allow a variety of purchases, and one from New Seasons Markets to allow the purchase of quality holiday foods.

The number of families receiving these cards will depend on the amount of funding raised. All families selected will have one or more members with some form of Autism.

Our families need your help! Please donate today so that we can make their holiday brighter! 100% of the donations received will go to buy gift cards. There are no ARROAutism fees substracted from the amount you donate.

All donations are gratefully accepted no matter what the amount is. Please make your donation today!