Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) announced the final, public phase of its “A to Z and Everywhere in Between” capital campaign that will put effective autism services within reach of every Arizonan by 2030. The campaign has already raised 92% of the funding needed to open five brand-new support centers.
“This campaign will fund the development of four new SARRC locations in the West Valley, East Valley, Tucson, Flagstaff/Prescott and North Phoenix/North Scottsdale,” said Dr. Daniel Openden, president & CEO of SARRC. “Every dollar raised makes a difference.”
The capital campaign will raise the total number of campuses across the state from five to nine by 2030.
For nearly three decades, SARRC has been at the forefront of autism research, education and community support in Arizona. Now, however, the need for services is greater than ever. In Arizona, 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism — a rate that has more than doubled in the last decade.
Maureen Jorden, SARRC’s chief development officer, has worked on the capital campaign from the beginning. “Thanks to the incredible hard work and generosity of so many Arizonans,” she said, “$12 million is already in hand toward our $13 million goal. The finish line is in sight — and the impact on autism support services in Arizona will be game-changing.”
The capital campaign will bring vital autism services to communities across Arizona, offering evidence-based programs that support individuals with autism from early childhood through adulthood. These programs focus on building meaningful skills that promote independence and joy. In addition, the new centers will strengthen collaboration between pediatricians and psychologists, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, an essential step in ensuring children receive timely and effective treatment.
“Camilla started at SARRC’s Community School in Tempe, Ariz., soon after her autism diagnosis. With limited vocabulary, finding a way to help her communicate was key. I can’t imagine her life without SARRC,” says Camilla’s mom, Jackie Goodluck. “She wouldn’t be where she is now.”
SARRC is now working to raise the final $1 million of the A to Z and Everywhere in Between capital campaign and is calling for contributions from the community.
People who want to support the effort can visit autismcenter.org/AtoZ.