Nonprofit Spotlight: AU-SOME CITY 313

BY KENDRA ROGERS, MS

Detroit is a bustling city full of families needing access to resources for their loved ones with special needs. Alexis Brooks, BCBA learned through teaching general education third grade for ten years that many of her students lacked resources they so badly needed. She realized that through empowering families and providing in-city access, she could help support more students than as a classroom teacher. Alexis knew she needed more than a teaching certificate to effect the change she envisioned. Through a special opportunity, Alexis earned her BCBA in May 2018. After earning her BCBA, Alexis came back to teaching in 2021 as a special education classroom for autism at a Detroit (DPSCD) middle school. She did not stop there, though. Inspired by her students and her own children, now 13, 15, and 17, in 2018 she then began to develop Au-Some City 313. This outreach works to move some of the services situated in the suburbs of Detroit into the city increasing access for families who lack time, funds, and transportation.

Alexis partners with existing community spaces to hold events for those with special needs. She works to ensure that individuals and families may participate for free or low cost. Through grants and partnerships with other non-profits, Alexis can provide a multitude of opportunities with Au-Some City 313 in the heart of Detroit where those who need barriers removed have access to more.

Not only does Au-Some City 313 provide events to those with special needs, but it also works with existing events within the city to provide solace and safety for families affected by special needs. Au-Some City 313 has calming stations at city events where those with sensory challenges may take advantage of a calmer, quieter space to reconnect. Alexis also acts as BCBA in spaces where organizations feel they need extra support to truly welcome families affected by special needs. She provides support to the families coming in so they can engage more fully and participate in the events knowing their children are safe and having their needs met. One example of this engagement is the community tickets for Pistons games Au-Some City 313 helps families attend. Parents and children may watch the game in a space designed to ensure the children’s sensory needs are met and the parents can learn more about how to help their children, too. This allows parents and children to practice skills in a safe space without disturbing other gamegoers.

Some other events Au-Some City 313 holds include a free prom night for autism, silent parties, lip-sync battle, sensory toy drive, and movie theatre rentals to view movies in a sensory-friendly way. On April 6, they will partner with Autism in the D and Hezekiahz Kidz for an Autism awareness walk, too. This year, Au-Some City 313 has partnered with the Renaissance City Chargers football team to teach flag football and cheer skills to kids with special needs in Detroit. Not only will the kids learn football skills, but life skills, too. Along with bowling and skating opportunities, those with special needs deserve the chance to learn in a way that is appropriate to them. Through these activities, they can learn a sport, communication skills, emotional skills, and even reading as they look for their names to take turns. When parents join in, they get to learn better how to help their children through challenging experiences.

Alexis and Au-Some City 313 know that those with special needs and their families deserve to be included. They want to feel invited rather than accepted. With more community support and attendees, Au-Some City 313 can continue to grow and become a safe space for those in Detroit with Autism and any other needs. #Inclusive4all Visit www. ausomecity313.org or https://www. facebook.com/ausomecity313 to learn more and see how you can be involved!