501c3 non profit supporting families impacted by #autism and #parkinsonsdisease #RJsPlace #DesignCare #DC25 July 15, 2023 Inspired by a father and a son, HollyRod Foundation was formed in 1997 by actress, Holly Robinson Peete and her husband former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete. The HollyRod Foundation is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson's disease. Efforts of the HollyRod Foundation are providing a better quality of life for individuals and their families.HollyRod Parkinson's Compassionate Care Program was formed in 2002 in collaboration with USC's Keck School of Medicine for Parkinson's Research and Movement Disorders. Through this partnership the Foundation assists PD patients with little or no medical insurance coverage in obtaining medications, treatments, medical equipment, and various servicesHollyRod is committed to supporting children living with autism and their families. HollyRod introduced the “Give the Gift of Voice" campaign in 2010, providing tablet computers and specially-designed apps to help give a voice to those without. 50% of children living with autism have extreme difficulty learning to speak, 25% of them never will. Many requests came from teachers and clinicians, so in 2014, HollyRod changed the parameters of the Gift of Voice program to create the RJ's Place grant program to benefit children and families receiving services at children's hospitals and autism centers throughout the US and Canada. This program modification allows us to provide support to a greater number of children and families. An RJ's Place grant provides therapy devices, tablets, autism apps, recreational supplies and computers. Speech therapy and communication devices such as tablets are vital to children living with autism. Unfortunately, many families don't have the means to purchase a tablet or autism apps, and autism centers don't have the means to provide one to each child they serve. Computers and software are integral for teens and young adults with autism as they transition to mainstream schools and seek employment. In 2016, RJ's Place grants expanded to provide support for pre-vocational training and employment services serving teens and young adults on the spectrum. Autism affects the entire family. The siblings of children with autism often sit for long hours in hospitals and clinics foregoing homework or social interaction while their brother or sister receives therapy. An RJ' place provides a welcoming environment for all members of the family.