Community Services for Families Navigating Autism

Organization Mission and History

In 2007, Randy and Kim Wolf faced a life-altering challenge: their son Jack had been diagnosed with autism at just eighteen months old, and he was struggling with some of the most intense and destructive behaviors associated with the disorder. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, they sought help through various therapeutic interventions. With persistence and hope, they developed a program of support alongside dedicated therapists that proved to be truly life-changing for Jack and their entire family. Jack began to emerge from isolation into connection, finding his voice and place in the world.

Yet, Randy and Kim’s journey did not end with their relief. They recognized that many other families in their community were facing the same battles, families desperate for hope, guidance, and real, effective support. Fueled by compassion and determination, they rallied a group of volunteers, experts, and passionate community members to create Turning Pointe Autism Foundation (“Turning Pointe”). 

For over 18 years, Turning Pointe has grown and evolved to meet the expanding needs of the autism community. Today, our mission is to create opportunities and programs to educate individuals with autism through proven interventions to increase independence, encourage meaningful lifelong pursuits, and enrich the community at large.. We operate through three primary pillars that serve as the foundation of our work: Schools & Programs, Community Services, and Research & Training.

Our Schools & Programs pillar directly supports individuals on the spectrum. Our CN Day School offers a nurturing, individualized learning environment for students ages 5-22, combining expert academic instruction with behavioral and clinical supports provided by aides, Learning Behavior Specialists, and an interdisciplinary clinical team. Building on our success, we are proud to have recently been approved to include Early Childhood services, welcoming three- and four-year-olds into our community to begin their journeys with tailored, compassionate care.

Recognizing that the need for support does not end at age 22, Turning Pointe launched its Employment Training Program (ETP) in 2012 to equip young adults with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience required to secure meaningful employment and independence. Our Adult Services Program, established in 2018, now includes the innovative Compass Class Pilot Program, ETP, and an active Alumni group. The Compass Class provides specialized support in communication, behavior, and vocational skills for adults needing extra guidance, while the Alumni group fosters ongoing connection and community among graduates. Our newest adult initiative, CREW, enriches lives by offering social engagement and creative recreational opportunities, emphasizing holistic wellness and inclusion.

We also believe in empowering students and alumni through entrepreneurship. Our onsite enterprises, like the Made to Inspire Boutique, where individuals design and produce apparel, and Two Brothers Coffee, created in partnership with Two Brothers Coffee Roasters, provide hands-on learning and a platform to showcase talents. These ventures not only teach valuable skills but also build confidence and a sense of purpose. We continually seek new corporate partners to expand these impactful enterprise opportunities.

Our Community Services pillar extends support beyond the individual to families and the broader community. We know caregiving can be isolating and exhausting, so our monthly respite events offer families a safe, engaging space while trained staff supervise enriching activities. Our collaboration with Benet Academy students fosters meaningful peer connections during these events. For social development, our Hangouts Program offers tailored spaces for teens and adults on the spectrum to build friendships and practice social skills in welcoming, supportive settings. Our Family Specialist works directly with more than 250 families annually, helping them navigate resources, advocate effectively, and feel empowered in their journeys.

Turning Pointe’s Community Services pillar is dedicated to addressing the unique social, emotional, and vocational needs of individuals with autism and their families, filling critical gaps often overlooked by traditional community resources. This pillar encompasses a range of innovative programs and supports designed to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and foster meaningful community participation.

Core Programs and Services

At the heart of Turning Pointe’s Community Services are programs that build connection and resilience:

• Respite Care: Monthly respite events provide caregivers with essential breaks, while individuals with autism engage in safe, enjoyable activities supervised by trained professionals. This reduces caregiver stress and supports family well-being.

• Social Groups: Weekly Teen and Adult Hangouts offer structured social environments where participants can build friendships, practice communication, and develop social skills in a supportive setting.

• Family Support: A Family Specialist offers individualized resource navigation, education, and emotional support, guiding families through the challenges of autism and connecting them with critical community services.

• Wellness and Recreation: Programs focused on physical wellness and sensory regulation utilize specialized facilities to improve motor skills, emotional self-regulation, and overall health.

Our Research & Training pillar is dedicated to advancing autism acceptance and improving community knowledge. Our clinicians provide essential training to first responders, educators, corporations, and community groups on communication strategies, crisis intervention, and workplace inclusion. In 2024, we launched a groundbreaking 16-week training program certifying local police officers as NEMRT instructors, the first civilians to hold this credential. This initiative bridges a critical gap between law enforcement and the autism community, improving safety and understanding during emergency encounters. Our clinical team also contributes to academic research and shares findings at regional and national conferences, helping to shape best practices and influence policies.

Turning Pointe’s commitment to excellence is reflected in our accreditations and recognitions. We proudly hold certifications from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). In 2024, our CN Day School was honored as a School of Excellence by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). We also maintain Charity Navigator’s prestigious Four-Star rating and recently received GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, acknowledgments that underscore our responsible stewardship and impactful work.

Turning Pointe's primary mission is open to all children and young adults living and learning with autism. Currently enrolled students live in 25 communities throughout DuPage, Will, Kane, Cook, and Kendall counties in Illinois and are White, Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Multiracial, Asian, or Hispanic; 75% are male, and 25% are female. Currently, we do not collect economic indicators; however, we assume that all students come from low- or middle-income families. Our staff members live in 7 counties in Northeast Illinois: 31% live in DuPage, 26% live in Will, 16% in Cook, 10% in Kane, 10% in Kendall, 3% in Grundy, and 4% in DeKalb.

Additionally, we provide resources and support each year to more than 200 families in and around Naperville who are navigating through autism as well as providing education and training to first responders, schools, corporate entities, and community partners about all aspects of autism spectrum disorder.

At Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, our story is one of hope transformed into action, of a family’s love blossoming into a community’s strength. Every day, we witness individuals on the spectrum gain skills, confidence, and connection, while families find support and empowerment. Together, we are creating a future where autism is met with understanding, opportunity, and respect, a future where every person’s potential can truly shine.

Grant Request

Turning Pointe Autism Foundation respectfully requests $6,000 in general operating support for its Community Services pillar, which provides critical, year-round programming for individuals with autism and their families. These services address significant gaps in social inclusion, caregiver support, and vocational access. General operating funds will ensure the sustainability and expansion of these offerings by supporting staffing, program supplies, training, and infrastructure needed to meet increasing community demand. With continued support, Turning Pointe can deepen its impact across , helping individuals with autism thrive in safe, inclusive environments and equipping families with the tools and connections they need to navigate the autism journey. 

If you have any questions regarding our organization or this support request, please reach out to me, Barb Brauer, at bbrauer@turningpointeaf.org or 630-615-6033. Thank you for your consideration.