Summer / Fall - Newsletter 2024
IN THIS ISSUE:
New Board Member
Meet The Board
We Run for Autism 5k Results
Funding Social Skills Participants Breaking Ground on Duplex
Nikki Giovanni Creecy
Founder and Executive Director
Nikki Giovanni Creecy is the Founder and Executive Director of The Connect Foundation. She has a degree in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Divinity degree from Campbell University.
Starting the Foundation is important to Nikki because she is a firm believer in community and that we all deserve equal opportunities.
Through her 18 years of experience as Founder and CEO of ShineLight, Inc., assisting adults and adolescents with autism to lead better lives, she has witnessed firsthand how there are not enough Medicaid funds for everyone who qualifies for services. For the people who do receive funding, it takes an average of ten years to receive funding for services. Nikki has encountered too many times when adults with autism simply cannot receive the support they need to live their best lives. She believes that helping one family at a time is the most powerful way to build community, and so the best way to improve the Fayetteville community is to grant funding to families who need it the most.
“I want to take the time to thank each of you for your support. We do not take it lightly. We thank you for believing in us. With your support and belief, we will continually strive to provide equal opportunities for people that are impacted by ASD and other Developmental Disabilities.”
Connect With Us
Welcome Our Newest Board Member
Aisha January
We are delighted to announce that Aisha January is the newest member of our Board. Aisha is originally from Fayette, Mississippi and is a dedicated mother of three with a deep commitment to supporting individuals with autism. As a parent of a 14-year-old child diagnosed with autism, she brings invaluable personal experience and insight to her role as a Board Member.
Professionally, Aisha serves as an expert in laboratory compliance at a local health system. She ensures adherence to regulatory standards, focusing on quality assurance and operational efficiency. Driven by her personal advocacy and professional skills, Aisha is passionate about advancing our mission. She is dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for individuals across the autism spectrum, embodying the foundation’s values of dedication, purpose, and devotion.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Christine Blue
Management and Banking at Wells Fargo
Christine offers a depth of management and banking expertise to our Foundation. Over the past two years, she has been invaluable in securing funding, supporting our 5k and first silent auction, and making connections in the community.
Steve King
Exit Realty Preferred
Steve is such a valued and esteemed Board Member, known for his expertise and consulting as related to real estate. He is involved with numerous charities and nonprofits in Fayetteville. His first career spanning over twenty years was with the Autism Society of NC.
Lacey Symkowiak
IDD Advocate and Consultant
Lacey brings such warmth and life experiences to the table of our Board. She has been instrumental in providing perspective and insight into our event planning and board meetings to truly meet the needs of all individuals.
Do you or a loved one need funding for Autism Services?
We Run For Autism 5k 2024
Results, Successes and Funding Initiatives
Our second annual We Run For Autism 5K, hosted by Fayetteville Running Club, was spectacular. The Sunday morning event on April 14th was a huge success in multiple ways.
First, we had a great showing of 162 participants, up 60 from last year. Secondly, we were blessed this year with a number of generous local sponsors, including: FirstHealth Convenient Care; Kentucky Fried Chicken; Fleet Feet; Exit Realty; Richard H. Shereff, M.D. Dermatology; and Kidz Dominion Daycare.
We also received $445 in individual donations. A separate donation was made in memory of Nicholas Finch, where the parents of this individual with autism wrote a special tribute that was read by Nikki at the event, praising the mission of The Connect Foundation. Finally, we raised $4,300 in proceeds this year, where 100% goes to covering participants’ funding for social skills training opportunities.
Breaking Ground on Duplex Project
What is the duplex project?
The duplex will be called The Connect House. The Connect House will function as housing for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or autism that
provides independent living. The
ultimate goal is for each resident
to be able to afford housing on
their own through employment
and improved life skills.
The first two residents have already been chosen, named Janique and Brandi, who are sisters. Both women have careers and the next step for them is independent living. The Connect House will be built at 105 Arborview Court in Fayetteville, NC.
What are the goals for the project?
According to Nikki, it is the Foundation’s goal that this duplex project will lead to more projects like it to address homelessness in Fayetteville. Construction will begin in six months, and funding will come from grants and the support of local donors. ShineLight’s role in this project is to manage the property, as well as provide services needed for people to maintain their housing in The Connect House.
Independent living for high-functioning adults is critical for developing autonomy and the ability to support themselves.
“The reality is that we are all humans. Although our brains may process information differently, it does not mean that we do not want similar things.
I would encourage neurotypical people to consider what autonomy means to them. It is highly likely that the neurodivergent person would have similar thoughts. The biggest difference probably being that neurotypical people do not have to explain why autonomy is important to them. It is just implied in our lives, where as this is not the case for neurodivergent people.”