Bridge the Gap is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created for those whose lives have been touched by autism. It is a resource for families waiting for state funding, implementing uncovered treatment protocols or in immediate crisis directly related to an autism spectrum disorder. Bridge the Gap’s purpose is to decrease financially related stress, increase understanding and strengthen familial ties through education and raise public awareness of autism and autism spectrum disorders.

By Beth Montour, Bridge the Gap, Inc.

COVID-19 was an unexpected shock to us all. As of June 1, Bridge the Gap reopened its physical location in Shawano to offer many programs throughout the day to children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum and those with other special abilities. Some of our programs include daily living skills, mentoring, programs, social skills programming and school assistance just to name a few.

With the assistance of a $20,000 grant from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, launched by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way Fox Cities, Bridge the Gap is not only able to remain open for its clients and their families, but also provide one meal and snack to each client each day. In addition to providing a nutritious meal and snack, what is unique about this program is that it allows Bridge the Gap clients to build new “life-long skills” of making the menu, grocery list, preparing and cooking a healthy meal for themselves!

Thank you Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, United Way Fox Cities and the generous community!

We invite you to donate now to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. You can also learn about who has given to the fund, the fund’s grant recipients, and check out our latest news and updates.