Help Us Build a Fence for The Heard Center!

At The Heard Center, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space. For many families, fencing isn't just a convenience—it's an essential tool for safety and exploration. Studies show that up to 50% of autistic children elope (or "explore"), which can lead to dangerous situations like wandering into traffic or water. A fence provides the security needed for children to explore freely while keeping them safe.

**Why Does This Matter?**
As a mom of two autistic children, I know firsthand the challenges of elopement. Without proper safety measures, outings can be isolating and stressful, impacting the entire family. A fenced outdoor area at our community center will allow families to relax and connect while their children explore safely.

**Our Vision**
We’ve purchased an acre of land for The Heard Center, which houses an alternative education center, homeschool co-op, and drop-in activities. Our plan is to install a 6-foot fence around most of the backyard and one driveway, creating spaces for biking, scootering, chalk art, and more. Shady and sunny areas will ensure comfort for all.

**How You Can Help**
Every act of kindness—whether donating funds or sharing our campaign—brings us closer to building this vital fence. Together, we can give families peace of mind and create a safe space for exploration.

Join us in making this dream a reality!

Here is the home or our new center! 

And below is the center from the other side. This is the parking lot & looping line. There will will be a gate at the walkway and fencing will begin 3 feet behind the paved area pictured below and continue along the sides and into the back of the center. The driveway that will be fenced is on the other side of the center in front of the garage. This fencing design will allow for snow removal while also giving us the most land use and adding additional protection in the event that we have a very curious explorer who wanders out of the front door.

How you can help power our mission:

1. Donate: Every dollar counts. Contribute now to help us reach our goal.
2. Create a fundraising campaign: You can register to create your own fundraising campaign for our cause.
3. Share: Share our campaign (or yours) with your friends, family, and on social media. Your advocacy can amplify our impact.
4. Volunteer: Your time and skills can make an impact too.

Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable.