Scaling Care, Expanding Access: What’s Next for Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center

A note from our President & CEO, Brian Hager

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s this: families don’t just need support—they need it earlier, closer to home, and consistently. That’s the north star guiding our work in the year ahead at Grant a Gift Autism Foundation – Ackerman Center.

We’re entering this next chapter with real momentum and a clear plan to scale access without losing what makes our care personal, thoughtful, and rooted in community.

1) Growing our team to meet the moment

Demand for services continues to rise, and the fastest path to more access is people—great people. In the year ahead, we’re focused on strategic hiring to expand capacity across our programs, reduce barriers to care, and shorten the time between “we need help” and “we have support.”

This isn’t growth for growth’s sake. It’s targeted, mission-aligned hiring designed to make our services more available and more responsive to families’ needs.

2) Expanding programs that families rely on

We’re also investing in expanded programming so families can access a stronger continuum of care. That means building on what’s working, improving the pathway from evaluation to ongoing support, and making it easier for families to stay connected as needs evolve.

3) Bringing services closer with our Henderson location

One of the biggest milestones we’re celebrating is our newly opened Henderson location. This is a major move toward equitable access, because geography shouldn’t determine whether a child receives the services they need.

This expansion helps us serve more families while keeping care convenient, consistent, and community-based.

4) Scaling mental health counseling for the neurodivergent community

Learn more about Groove - a safe, supportive space where neurodivergent adults can connect, grow, and thrive.

We’re also doubling down on a need that’s too often under-resourced: mental health counseling for neurodivergent individuals. Support should reflect the lived experience of the people receiving it—practical, affirming, and tailored to neurodivergent strengths and challenges.

Expanding counseling services is a key part of our broader strategy to ensure individuals and families aren’t just assessed—they’re supported.

5) Strengthening awareness and advocacy

Access isn’t only about available appointments; it’s also about awareness, understanding, and systems that work better for families. In the year ahead, we’re strengthening our work in awareness and advocacy so families can find support sooner, navigate services more confidently, and feel less alone in the process.

Looking ahead

This year is about scaling with intention: hiring strategically, expanding effective programs, activating our Henderson location, increasing mental health support, and elevating awareness and advocacy. The goal is simple (and ambitious): more families supported earlier and more consistently.

Thank you all for your support in 2026!

Brian Hager, CMPE
President & CEO, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation - Ackerman Center