Nonpro t
BY EMILY LINCKE
Project Beacon lls gaps for adults with autism Based in Willis, Project Beacon aims to ll a void in Texas, which nonpro t leaders said lacks needed programming and resources for adults with autism. The big picture Project Beacon o ers programs across the Greater Houston area for people with autism age 16 and older. While other neurodivergent individuals are welcome to the program, Vice President Amy Wood said the nonpro t is geared toward older teenagers and adults with autism, who they feel are often excluded by other programs. The nonpro t was co-founded by President Kevin Gerrity and Execu- tive Director Kelly Baughman. Project Beacon o cials launched a social enrich- ment program in 2023, which focuses on social skill development and includes activities, such as bowling, bingo and holiday parties.
Project Beacon—a nonpro t based out of Willis—o ers life and social skills programming for adults with autism.
PHOTOS COURTESY PROJECT BEACON
What’s next Goals for Project Beacon include: • Expanding program o erings to include individu- alized day and vocation training programs • Opening a capstone learning center in The Woodlands by August • Building a residential community for 40-60 neurodivergent adults by 2027 or 2028.
Mother and son Jennifer and Reece Wootan attend a Project Beacon event.
502 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 540, Willis www.projectbeacontx.org
512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu highschool.utexas.edu
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