Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Ford
Hi Felicia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Founding the Freddie Ford Family Foundation was deeply personal for me. As an attorney and mother of three boys, my journey took a transformative turn when my child was diagnosed with autism. What began as a search for resources and support for my own family quickly evolved into a mission to ensure that all families navigating autism have access to the same guidance and community.
After discovering how difficult it was for Black and Brown children to receive an autism diagnosis or obtain much-needed therapeutic interventions, I felt compelled to bridge the gap in access to information about autism and local resources. I was fortunate to have an informed Parents as Teachers educator who helped me find the right services early on. But I soon realized that not every family had that same support. Many parents were lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn. That’s when I knew I had to do something.
In 2018, I launched the Freddie Ford Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit named in honor of my late father, a dedicated police officer who served in the City of St. Louis and the City of Cape Girardeau. He also served our country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and continued his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve until retirement. Built on a legacy of service, the foundation works to create a supportive network for families affected by autism through community events, parent education, and advocacy.
Our mission is to support under-served families impacted by autism and to raise awareness and acceptance of autism. We provide support through social events and activities that foster a strong community network. Our efforts include parent support group meetings with expert speakers, engaging social activities for children and teens to help them strengthen their social skills and build friendships, and community events that promote autism awareness and acceptance.
Over the last seven years, the Freddie Ford Family Foundation has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals, and I remain committed to expanding our reach and making a lasting difference in the autism community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Establishing a strong presence in the autism community without initial connections or resources has been a challenge, but I have embraced each obstacle with determination. One of the greatest struggles has been securing enough volunteers and funding. As a completely volunteer-driven organization, every event and program depends on the generosity and dedication of our community.
Finding suitable event spaces has also been a significant hurdle. Many venues are either too expensive, lack accommodations for sensory-friendly needs, or require modifications to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for children with autism. We strive to create welcoming and accessible experiences, but securing the right locations remains an ongoing challenge. Because we serve families from all over the area, we also prioritize finding centrally located venues to make attendance easier for everyone.
Sustaining and growing our foundation’s programs requires continuous fundraising efforts. While corporate sponsorships and donations have been invaluable, the demand for services continues to exceed available resources. Recruiting volunteers presents another challenge, as many programs require specialized training and a deep understanding of autism-related needs. It’s not just about having volunteers—it’s about having the right volunteers who are committed to creating meaningful experiences for the families we serve.
Despite these challenges, the foundation has continued to grow, thanks in part to partnerships with other organizations and generous sponsorships from local businesses such as Seiler Plastics, Helitech, Compass Electrical Systems, Carrollton Bank, and Kohl’s. Their support has been instrumental in expanding our reach and serving more families.
The Freddie Ford Family Foundation began with the inaugural Heroes for Autism 5K and Mile as a way to raise awareness and generate funds. As a former college track athlete, I wanted to create an event that would engage the community in a meaningful way. Our first event was a success, allowing us to begin hosting playdates for young children with autism. When we received our first major donation from MOHELA, we were able to provide Christmas support to families in need, followed by Easter basket donations the next year.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The greatest accomplishments of the Freddie Ford Family Foundation are reflected in the meaningful changes we see in the children and teens who participate in our programs. We have witnessed children who previously struggled to form friendships discover meaningful connections at our events—often in ways they have not been able to at school. Our goal is to provide opportunities for children with autism to build social skills at their own pace, in a comfortable and supportive environment. We hope that the confidence and skills they develop through natural play with peers at our events will carry over into their interactions at school and beyond.
What sets us apart from other organizations is our approach. Rather than focusing on teaching specific skills, we create opportunities for children and families to engage, connect, and experience life just as their peers do. We also provide a space for parents to share their journeys, exchange insights, and learn from service providers about available resources. At the core of our work is the belief that every child deserves the chance to experience joy, inclusion, and support. As I often say, “We bring the fun to autism.”
Reflecting on the impact we’ve made over the past several years fills me with immense pride. Our events have strengthened families, raised awareness, and built a sense of community, all while providing essential support to underserved families affected by autism. Our philosophy is simple: individuals with autism deserve the best life possible. They don’t need pity; they need support, inclusion, and opportunities to thrive.
Over the past seven years, our programs have touched thousands of lives:
Camp Ausome – A summer program introducing children with autism to sports and other recreational activities.
Cooking Classes, Bowling, Art Projects, and Teen Outings – Hands-on experiences designed to encourage learning and social engagement.
Annual Heroes for Autism 5K and Mile – An event that has drawn over 1,200 participants, volunteers, and spectators to raise awareness of autism.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt – A sensory-friendly and safe egg hunt that brings joy to families and children with autism.
Parent Support Groups – Offering parents guidance and expert-led discussions to navigate their journey.
Trunk or Treat & Holiday Events – Sensory-friendly celebrations that have welcomed over 600 individuals.
Annual Trivia Night for Autism – A community-driven event that draws over 150 attendees each year.
Starbucks Back to School Sensory Room – A dedicated, inclusive space for children with autism to enjoy and engage during the event.
It is unfortunate that so many families struggle with strained relationships with extended family and friends due to a lack of understanding of autism, as well as the challenges their loved ones face. We need more conversations about autism to create awareness, foster acceptance, and break down misconceptions. I encourage families to embrace their loved ones with autism, to be kind, and to take the time to truly know them. Autism is an invisible disability—it does not have a specific look, and it exists on a spectrum, meaning that each individual has unique strengths, interests, and support needs.
To parents of individuals with autism, I want you to know that there is no shame in an autism diagnosis. The only shame would be in not seeking the support your child needs. No matter how overwhelming the journey may seem, your child is still a child—capable of growth, joy, and success with the right support. A developmental delay does not mean your child will never walk, talk, or achieve milestones; it simply means they may need more time and guidance. Embrace your child, celebrate their progress, and model the speech, actions, and social skills you want them to develop. Your love and support are the foundation for their success.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
At the Freddie Ford Family Foundation, we are always seeking passionate partners, dedicated volunteers, and generous sponsors to support our mission. Your involvement—whether through collaboration, donation, or participation—helps us spread awareness, foster acceptance, and create inclusive opportunities for individuals with autism. We welcome the chance to engage with our community through events, forums, and discussions to continue building a more inclusive world.
I invite you to join us for two exciting upcoming events:
Annual Trivia Night for Autism: Battle of the Decades – 80s vs. 90s
Jewish Community Center, Creve Coeur | April 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM
7th Annual Heroes for Autism 5K & Mile
Queeny Park, St. Louis | July 19, 2025
There is plenty of time to register for both events and contribute to this meaningful cause.
To learn more about how you can get involved—whether as a volunteer, community partner, sponsor, donor, or event attendee—please visit www.freddiefordfamilyfoundation.org. Follow us on Faebook at www.facebook.com/fredfordfoundation and Instagram at www.instragram.com/ford4autismstl. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the autism community!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freddiefordfamilyfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ford4autismstl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fredfordfoundation
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ford4autismstl
