Statistically speaking

Research shows 1 in 59 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. To better meet their educational needs, children on the autism spectrum are included in general classrooms. However, their social needs and the altered social dynamic in the classroom are often inadequately addressed. Classmates are not equipped to know the best way to be a friend or positively engage with a child with autism. Unfortunately, the result is that children with autism are often isolated socially and even harassed or bullied because their peers don’t understand their behavior. 

Improving the odds

In 2019, the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County (WGF) awarded a $5,000 grant to Good Friend to expand its school programs that create autism awareness, teach acceptance of differences, foster empathy, and create greater understanding for children with autism. These peer-sensitivity workshops and classroom presentations for elementary and middle-school students, as well as training for teachers and staff, have been effective in changing peer interaction and engagement, research has shown.

Good Friend, founded in 2007 by two mothers of children on the autism spectrum, delivers a message that there is beauty in diversity, strength in community and magic in inclusion. It enhances the possibility of creating a good friend for students with autism.

In 2019, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Women and Girls Fund awarded grants totaling $112,500 to area agencies delivering innovative programs that achieve results and empower Waukesha County women and girls. Since its inception 15 years ago, the WGF has given more than $1 million in grants. Positive change is happening.

Help us continue the momentum and make a gift to the

Women and Girls Fund. Today more than ever, your generous contribution can help us i mprove the odds, one grant at a time .

Your gift to the Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, combined with the

generosity of many other donors, helps improve the odds in Waukesha County.

View our video to see how we are making a difference one grant at a time.

The Women and Girls Fund of Waukesha County, established in 2004, seeks to aid and enrich the lives of women and girls so they become thriving residents of their communities. Since 2005, the Women and Girls Fund has awarded more than $1,000,000 to nearly 60 non-profit organizations that promote the health, well-being, education and empowerment of women and girls of all ages.