House of Hope for Autism

House of Hope for Autism is a nonprofit group in Fort Worth, Texas. Yet, they reach well beyond city limits. Including cities such as Dallas, Ennis, Mansfield, and Kaufman, just to name a few. The amazing members organize and set up social activities for children on the autism spectrum and their families to participate in.

Activities with House of Hope include bowling, music therapy, Urban Air, swim parties and many other various activities. A local salon partners with House of Hope every other month to provide sensory cuts for the children.
This past holiday season, HOH organized pictures with Santa. For many, some being teenagers, it was their first time meeting Santa in an environment that felt safe and comfortable to them.
 
Mandy Skaggs’, the founder of House of Hope, youngest son was diagnosed with Autism just before his fourth birthday. She quickly realized that God was placing her on a very specific journey. That life raising a child with special needs was and is not for the faint of heart.
Mandy knew that doing life in a “typical” setting was not always an option. Her son was not always given the chance to make memories like other children. Not being invited over to friends, the meltdowns and just the want to feel “normal.”
 
Fast forward to 2018, where Mandy’s son was sixteen. She felt it was time to start giving back and create a non profit that could give back to others who were facing autism. That is when Mandy decided to provide social outings in a safe, loving, environment catered to the children’s specific needs. It did not matter if the families only stayed for a few minutes. It only mattered that they were welcomed. That they could sense the HOPE of belonging.
 
Mandy mentioned that the biggest obstacle with starting a nonprofit has been creating activities for these children, without having an actual facility to call their own.
 
That is why this Go Fund Me has been started. Mandy, her team and all that contribute, are hopeful that we can soon raise funds for a home. One that will provide the safety, comfortability and support these families and children need. The need for social activities and building a community of HOPE. To support memories and have endless impact on these precious lives.