Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)

04/09/2026

In its sixth year, APEMAN STRONG, a leading athletic apparel company, has launched an explosive and colorful Autism Awareness collection! T-shirts in adults and kids' sizes, two hoodies, and a trucker hat are available in the new featured line.

For every item purchased during April, $5 will be donated directly to SARRC to support programs, services, and research. Purchase your 2026 exclusive items at bit.ly/ApemanSARRC26.

04/09/2026

If you are a teen or adult with autism and exploring employment options, join SARRC for a free online Employment Services Orientation! 🙌 This virtual session provides an overview of how SARRC supports individuals in developing career skills, finding meaningful employment, and achieving long-term workplace success.

Participants will learn more about:
✅ SARRC’s Employment Services and how they support individual career goals
✅ Funding options and eligibility for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program offered through the Arizona Department of Economic Security
✅ The process for enrolling in Employment Services and what to expect from the program
✅ The variety of ways SARRC partners with employers and community organizations to create inclusive work opportunities

Our next session is Monday, April 13 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. ➡️ Sign up at bit.ly/EmployOrientation2026.

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

We are so grateful to our Bronze Sponsors for being a part of our 28th Annual Community Breakfast! 💜

⭐ BRONZE SPONSORS ⭐
Julie Alpert & Family
Arizona Complete Health
Arizona Residential Architects LLC
Arizona State University
Aventiv
CBRE
Cigna Healthcare
Colliers International
CopperPoint Insurance Companies
Pearl and Mac Esau
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Helios Education Foundation
Jenna and Zach Hilton
Susan and Brett Huckelbridge
Integrity Mental Health
Judy and Marc Isaacs
Kovach Enclosure Systems
Jenni and Rob Leinbach
Lumary
Mastek
OPPTEmizer Coaching
Osaic Foundation
SMS Financial, LLC
Snell & Wilmer
Sprouts Farmers Market
Touchstone Wealth
U.S. Bank
Western Alliance Bank
Willmeng Construction

SARRC’s Annual Community Breakfast, themed Hope Happens Here, is on Friday, May 1! Join us for the in-person event at Arizona Biltmore. Register to save your seat at SARRCbreakfast.org!

04/08/2026

⭐ Staff Spotlight ⭐: Meet Lauren Oleson, SARRC’s Provider Liaison!

Lauren plays a key role in strengthening connections between SARRC and the medical and professional community. She works closely with providers across Arizona, sharing information about SARRC’s services and helping ensure individuals and families are connected to the resources and support they need.

Through outreach, relationship-building and collaboration, Lauren helps create pathways for earlier referrals and coordinated care — supporting families from the very beginning of their autism journey 🙌.

04/08/2026

Introducing the Baylee Barradas Scholarship Fund 💚 Baylee was one of the first Transition Academy students and this scholarship fund is in honor of Baylee's strength, courage and character. She filled our world with music, smiles, animated conversations and a fervent desire to live more independently. Guided by Baylee’s big heart and the cheerleader rooted in her DNA, this scholarship offers others the chance to succeed.

The scholarship will go towards the First Place Transition Academy, a structured two-year program in the supportive environment of First Place AZ that helps build crucial skills to support independent living, with clinical services provided by SARRC. Recipients complete an application and are selected based on financial need.

The Baylee Barradas Scholarship Fund application closes Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. To learn more, visit firstplaceaz.org/transition-academy/tuition-scholarship/baylee-barradas-scholarship-fund.

04/07/2026

There's still time to be a part of Arizona Gives Day!

In addition to supporting the Arizona nonprofit community as a whole, a gift to SARRC will help us provide life-changing services, support families and build a more inclusive future for all.

Make an impact this , because acceptance isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we build together 💜 Make a gift at azgives.org/organization/SARRC.

04/07/2026

Today is Arizona Gives Day, an opportunity to come together in support of the nonprofit community.

At SARRC, we see every day what’s possible when individuals with autism are supported, understood and empowered to thrive — and it’s all made possible by a community of supporters like you.

Today, you can be part of that impact. Your gift helps us provide life-changing services, support families and build a more inclusive future for all.

Join us in making a difference this Arizona Gives Day, because acceptance isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we build together 💜

Make a gift at azgives.org/organization/SARRC.

04/06/2026

Our friends at Mesquite Fresh Street Mex are raising funds for SARRC at all AZ locations throughout April! 🌮 Mention SARRC at checkout in person, or enter “SARRC” in the promo code field when ordering online, and a percentage of your order will be donated back to support SARRC!

This campaign will run at all nine Valley Mesquite locations and applies to the entire menu. Find a location near you at eatmesquite.com/Locations.

04/06/2026

Wow! The Notyertypical flannel is officially SOLD OUT! 🤩 We are so grateful to the Dixxon Flannel Co. team for creating such a fun and bold flannel in support of Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month and thank you to everyone who purchased a flannel and simultaneously donated a portion of proceeds back to SARRC! 💜

04/06/2026

Family Orientation is a free informational webinar that provides information and support to families at any point in their autism journey!

Our next session is Monday, April 13. Sessions are divided into three age groups: Young Child (up to age 5), School-Age Child (ages 6-12), and Teens & Adults (ages 13+). Depending on your age group, participants will learn about:
📌 Autism spectrum disorder
📌 Intervention options
📌 How to access vital services through state and insurance funding
📌 Programs SARRC offers, and age-related topics for each age group (i.e.: navigating IEPs, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, employment and post-high school options, an autism diagnosis as a family)

Sign up for your age group at autismcenter.org/april-online-family-orientation-2026.

04/05/2026

Arizona Gives Day is on Tuesday, April 7! ✨ Every year 1000+ nonprofits come together across the state to build a better Arizona and tens of thousands of donors come together to support the amazing work nonprofits are doing in our community. Show your support early at azgives.org/organization/SARRC 💜