About Us
What does a fulfilled life look like?
Lotus Mission was established with the intention of providing a space for adults who have autism to engage in meaningful activities that contribute to their overall sense of purpose.
In keeping with our person-centered approach, we create unique service plans for each individual based on their interests and preferences. By utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we can identify activities that individuals may enjoy and modify their plans accordingly as their interests evolve over time. Lotus Mission offers many opportunities and resources to achieve these plans and goals.
Our Story
Our son Will was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. The road ahead felt so uncertain and frightening to us at the time. But while the journey has had its challenges, it has also been one of great joy. Our son has grown into an amazing young man and he has taught us so much about living along the way.
When Will turned 21 in 2017, we were faced with a new challenge. What would he do for the rest of his life? Where would he live and who would care for him after we are gone? We discovered that once Will placed out of the school system at 21, there were very few options open to him. Will is essentially non-verbal, has occasional challenging behaviors, and needs one-on-one care. To complicate matters, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as a young adult, requiring regular medications and a special diet. A group home is not an option for him. Will needs a special place designed to meet his needs, with dedicated staff that can help him live a fulfilled life.
We launched Lotus Mission in 2012 to tackle the challenge of developing vocational, recreational, and residential solutions for adults with autism. While COVID delayed our plans, we launched the Lotus Mission Clubhouse in 2022 as a day program especially tailored for autistic adults who have unique needs. We are expanding the program now to other families and are looking for a few to become Founding Families to join us in the day program now and help expand into a residential solution in the future. If Lotus Mission seems like it could be right for your child, give us a call and let’s work together to build a better future for our children.
Kristin and Jamie Biddle
Our Mission
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Lotus Mission was founded in 2012 to serve individuals aged 21 and older who have autism.
Founded with the belief that there is beauty and value within each of us, the Lotus Mission was formed to create solutions for a growing population of adults with autism that is facing a crisis of epic proportions due to lack of services, resources, and funding.
Our mission is to create an integrated sustainable community in which individuals with and without special needs utilize their interests, strengths, and creativity to live productive connected and meaningful lives of purpose and well being.
What's in a name?
In the tranquil depths of the murky waters, the lotus lies in peaceful repose, its roots firmly anchored in the muddy bed. With care and love, it begins its ascent, breaking free from the darkness of the water and rising above the surface. The lotus then unfolds its petals in a display of radiant beauty, strength, and resilience.
Where We're Headed
Too many adults with autism need a residential option. Our goal is to not only meet that need but do so in a way that is flexible and adaptable so that the adults we serve are able to age in place. We recognize how important this is to a population who has great difficulty with transitions and changes in habits and routines. This provides a more stable life for them, as well as offering peace of mind for their loved ones
We are currently seeking founding families to participate in the Lotus Mission weekday program and work with us as we develop new residential solutions for adults with autism.
Our ultimate vision is to create a program that can be replicated in other communities and made available to all families regardless of income.