We’re continuing our celebration of six years as a nonprofit! It has been our honor to support autistic individuals and their families through three initiatives: Manna from Heaven, Cheerful Giving, and Space to Belong.

These initiatives are designed to meet practical needs, offer encouragement, and help create more welcoming and inclusive communities. Through Manna from Heaven and Cheerful Giving, we have helped more than 500 people. We have reached even more through our Accessible Faith Initiative and Space to Belong!

While we love offering these programs, receiving feedback is just as important to us. At the end of each initiative, we ask participants to complete a short evaluation and share their experiences. We take this feedback seriously and use recommendations to help shape future program offerings. One of the things we value most is reading testimonials.

As we celebrate six years of service, we are sharing six testimonials that remind us why these programs matter.

Manna from Heaven

Manna from Heaven provides food assistance to autistic individuals and their families. It helps to ease some of the financial challenges of meeting their dietary needs.

• “As a single mom to a child on the Autism Spectrum, life can be challenging at times. The cost of groceries is astounding right now. I’m thankful that, thanks to Manna from Heaven, we don’t have to worry about the added expense of a Thanksgiving meal. My daughter has planned our meal this year. We’re having turkey breasts, mashed potatoes with dark gravy, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, crescent rolls and her absolute favorite, asparagus! Thank you for all you do!”
• “My son was very proud to use the $50 gift card to help buy part of our Thanksgiving meal. He has a few dishes he is also planning on cooking. He has come so far with being independent in the past couple of years and Manna From Heaven gave him an opportunity to really feel good about this Thanksgiving Meal.”

Cheerful Giving

Cheerful Giving provides sensory toys, tools, and gifts to bring comfort and joy to autistic individuals during the holiday season.

• “Acts of caring like this initiative are bright spots of joy in what can otherwise be a stressful season. I cannot wait to see my son open his item on Christmas morning! We were able to select a fuzzy rug that resembles a fluffy sensory lap pad that he likes to sit with during bedtime stories. It will make the perfect spot to read bedtime stories together each night!”
• “With a family where the majority have additional needs and daily sensory struggles, the support from Autism Faith Network is such a blessing. Trying to keep up with all the therapy bills can be taxing, so we are grateful for the extra Christmas cheer. Thank you!”

Space to Belong

Space to Belong helps places of worship create more welcoming and sensory-supportive environments for autistic children and youth.

• “Space to Belong has been a tremendous blessing to our church community. Through the grant, we were able to purchase sensory items that are used regularly by children and youth with autism during our worship services. These resources have helped create a more welcoming and supportive environment where youth can feel comfortable, engaged, and included.”
• “For parents, the impact has been equally meaningful. The sensory items provide support that helps their children successfully participate in church activities, allowing parents to be more present and engaged in worship without the constant concern of managing sensory challenges. As a result, families are able to experience church together in a way that is more accessible, enjoyable, and spiritually enriching. We are grateful for the opportunity to create a space where every child truly belongs.”

Help Us Continue this Work

These testimonials remind us of the difference practical support and inclusive communities can make in the lives of autistic individuals and their families.

Our 6th Anniversary Fundraiser ends on September 21st, and we are getting very closer to our goal. Your donation will help support participants in Manna from Heaven, Cheerful Giving, and Space to Belong.

Donate to our 2026 Annual Fundraiser

Every gift makes a difference! If you are unable to donate, you can still help by sharing our fundraiser with your friends, family, place of worship, and social media networks.

Thank you for helping us continue to create places where autistic individuals and their families are welcomed, valued, and free to belong!