Help Neurodiverse Students to thrive at Meristem!

At Meristem, I co-run our program that trains employers on how to hire and retain neurodiverse individuals into their workplace. I also work with our students on a unique job exploration curriculum.

I was also a student. I was also a scholarship recipient. You see even though Meristem is partly covered by regional center (state funds to help those with disabilities, including intellectual) there is an added cost to live in our onsite ILS dorms. Our onsite dorms with an independent living instructor are a critical component to our program. Without a scholarship, my parents would not have been able to afford this cost. My parents live in the Bay Area. Driving here every day to attend the day program only (still expensive by somewhat less I guess) was out of the question. So I was thrilled when I was awarded a scholarship. 

A little about my experience, and why this means so much to me.  As a student, I was given the oppourtunity to be a leader. I was the student manager of our onsite bed and breakfast (one of our current students is the assistant manager). I was able to find my best friend, I starred in our student run and student written improvisational theater production, and I helped lead and navigate on our overnight transportation trip to San Francisco. By the way, students just got back from their student created, student designed/planned and lead transportation trip to Six Flags in Vallejo via Amtrak. 

This Big Day of Giving, I’m asking for your help because right now, 3 incredible students, not too disimilar from me, are at risk of losing the opportunity to continue at Meristem without scholarship support. These students have worked so hard to gain confidence, job skills, social capacity, and the courage to step into adulthood. Additionally, future students need access to scholarships, so I am asking for your support. 

Meristem is more than just a program. It’s a launching pad where autistic and neurodiverse young adults build friendships, find their talents, and take their next steps toward employment, independent living, and full community inclusion.

Before Meristem, I did not know what to do with myself, I lacked self-confidence, I struggled in school, I had 0 friends. 

Since Meristem I have found my best friend Miles, who I now live with in Midtown Sacramento. I also now have a full time 40 hour a week job. I pay all of my day to day expensives by myself, without the help of mom and dad. I have my own health insurance. Help the next person launch on their pathway to independence!

Your gift will make an immediate difference. Even better — thanks to the generosity of a Meristem donor, every dollar you give will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000!

That means your impact is doubled — and together, we can ensure these 3 students, and many more, have the support they need to keep moving forward.

Please consider making a donation to my fundraiser today. I thank the heavens every day that I found Meristem. It's a similar story that I hear from many of our parents. Your gift isn’t just a donation — it’s an investment in a young adult’s future. It’s a vote of confidence that says: I see your potential. I believe in you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing with Meristem students.