Organization name: FACES Program - Fostering Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment, and Support

Contact Person(s): Danyale Sturdivant (FACES Program Coordinator), Jamie Pearson (FACES Program Director)

Purpose/mission: FACES (Fostering Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment, and Support) is a face-to-face parent training and advocacy program designed to support traditionally underrepresented families of children with autism. The FACES team focuses on addressing the disparities in autism among historically underrepresented populations and increasing equity in access to services for all families.

Population served: Traditionally underrepresented families of individuals with autism across the lifespan, specifically African American families

Services/programs/resources offered:

• • Connecting families to resources

  • Family support groups

  • Caregiver training/education

  • Building bridges between families and schools

  • Supporting local autism organizations to improve access and equity for people of color

  • Specific services by county are listed on website

Costs/requirements to participate:

• • FREE

  • Childcare typically provided for in-person events/programs

  • At times, funding available to support family access to programs

How families can access more information if interested in pursuing:

• • Contact info: facesprogram@ncsu.edu, contact form on website

  • Website: https://sites.google.com/ncsu.edu/facesprogram/home

  • Social media sites:
    Facebook - FACES Program NCSU
    Instagram - @facesprogramncsu