We Are The Village, Inc. hosted its first annual Autism Acceptance Block Party Saturday, June 4th from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Gary Health Department at 1145 W. 5th Ave. Organization founder Jaunesia Davis developed the event in honor of her son who is autistic.
“Raising a child with special needs can be challenging at times due to the lack of resources in my community,” said Davis. “We Are the Village, Inc. was born out of the need to offer autistic children and their parents options including effective programs, resources, and support.”
The event was being held in partnership with the City of Gary, Gary Health Department, and Edgewater Health. Sponsors included the Urban League of NWI, Albanese Candy Factory, Target, Bake My Day, Eloquently Sweet, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, NBHD Hope Dealers, Strack & Van Til, Popcorn World, Chick-Fil-a, Costco, PTA, and C WHITT PR.
During the block party, there were vendors, giveaways, music, food, bouncy houses, and information for parents of special needs children.
“I wanted to be part of the solution as well as an advocate for my son and other parents of autistic children,” added Davis. “As I am out in the community, I encounter so many who are in need of help, and I just want to be a blessing and a resource to them all.”
About We Are the Village
Located at 4030 W. 5th Avenue (inside of the Gary Middle College facility), We Are Village, Inc. offers daycare and early learning with special services for students with special needs. For more information about We Are The Village Inc. visit www.wearethevillageinc.com, Facebook, or call (219) 777-8170.
