Nonpro t
BY WESLEY GARDNER
Inspire ND in Humble builds bridges for people on the autism spectrum Even as a high school student, Jennifer Dantzler knew she wanted to help people. Dantzler received a master’s degree in special education in Boston before moving to Houston to launch Including Kids Autism Center in 2003. In 2022, Dantzler launched Inspire ND, a branch of Including Kids that focuses on helping young adults on the autism spectrum develop the life and social skills needed to live more independently. The overview Dantzler noted most of the services provided by Inspire ND are centered around helping her clients gain more con dence in their day-to-day lives. While the nonpro t provides classes on day-to- day skills, such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting and job training, Dantzler said Inspire ND also provides programming aimed at further develop- ing social skills. Dantzler also noted the nonpro t has thrived with community partnerships, including a pro- gram with retirement community Fountainwood at Lake Houston that provides an opportunity for Inspire ND students to interact and develop relationships with residents and sta . “We’re actually helping the [retirement] com- munity as much as our clients,” Dantzler said. Also of note As a nonpro t, Dantzler said outreach has been a ected by limited funding. To help raise money, the nonpro t hosts several fundraising events throughout the year in addition to housing a store
Inspire ND’s facility features a fully functioning kitchen area to help clients practice life skills.
WESLEY GARDNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
A client with Inspire ND bolsters his cleaning skills through a class o ered at the nonpro t’s facility.
Inspire ND’s store o ers goods created by clients to help bring in funding for the nonpro t.
COURTESY INSPIRE ND
WESLEY GARDNER COMMUNITY IMPACT
where customers can purchase items crafted by Inspire ND clients. Additionally, Dantzler said volunteers are always welcome at the nonpro t, particularly if the individuals volunteering are able to help teach students classes on cooking, painting or any other creative or life skills. What’s next Looking to the future, Dantzler said the organi- zation is gearing up for a partnership with Project Beacon, a nonpro t based in The Woodlands.
ENCHANTED TIMBERS DR.
1960
N
19143 Timber Forest Drive, Ste. 4, Humble www.inspirend.org
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