On Meet Houston Missions and The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast, your host, Paul Cannon, talks with Holly Odogwu, the Co-Founder and CEO of Autism Meets Faith. Autism Meets Faith was founded in 2021 when Holly’s daughter was diagnosed with autism at only four years old. After the diagnosis, Holly became aware of four key barriers for children on the autism spectrum and the families raising them: isolation, rejection from faith communities, unaffordable therapy, and nowhere to turn that was sensory-friendly. Resolving these barriers became the purpose of Autism Meets Faith. The mission proudly serves the Greater Houston area and operates across four counties: Houston, Montgomery, Liberty, and Chambers Counties. Autism Meets Faith provides programs including Explorers’ Club and Family Fun Days that allow children with autism to engage in creative, sensory-friendly activities that are informative while still allowing them to be a kid. Additionally, the mission offers programs aimed at the families of children on the autism spectrum that allow them to learn about the condition, equip them with practical tools and resources, and provide an encouraging support system. Autism Meets Faith aims to enhance the lives of children on the autism spectrum and the families raising them through creative programs, community partnerships, and meaningful support that meets families where they are.
Autism Meets Faith Programs
For children who have been diagnosed with autism and the families that raise and support them, finding a community that understands what you are going through can be difficult. Many families face difficulty finding sensory-friendly activities, programs, and support systems, which often prevent children on the autism spectrum from being able to explore, create, and feel as if they belong. When children and families need somewhere to turn that understands their situation and can offer ways to help, Autism Meets Faith is there with free programs for families. Two of the main programs the mission offers, Explorers’ Club and Family Fun Days, are centered on the children. The Explorers’ Club program is a pop-up program across the Greater Houston area that holds weekly sessions where children can learn, socialize, explore, and be themselves while families build a community together. The program is funded through the Harris County Department of Education CASE for Kids City Connections Program and combines play-based learning, social skills development, sensory exploration, community playdates, virtual learning opportunities, and family engagement so kids can learn and grow while having fun. Additionally, the Family Fun Days program is a once-a-month program where children on the autism spectrum can play with other kids just like them, and parents can connect with other parents going through the same situation. The program is held at ABA clinics around Houston where families can gather for sensory-friendly celebrations, games, and community building.
Other programs that Autism Meets Faith provides are more focused on providing resources for the parents and families of children diagnosed with autism. One of the services the mission offers for parents is Parent and Caregiver Workshops, which are educational workshops featuring professionals and experienced advocates from the autism community. These workshops teach families about autism and equip them with practical tools, resources, and encouragement as they navigate life with a child on the spectrum. Additionally, Autism Meets Faith knows that caring for a child on the autism spectrum can be rewarding but also challenging, so they offer a Moms Time-Out program. The program gives mothers and caretakers an opportunity to relax, recharge, and bond with a supportive community that knows exactly what they are going through.
Autism Meets Faith Therapy Scholarships
Autism Meets Faith knows that therapy is a very important part in helping children with autism feel a sense of belonging, but that therapy can cost families over $100,000. Due to the high cost of this necessary treatment, Autism Meets Faith offers annual scholarships to multiple applicants through application cycles in the spring and fall of each year. The scholarships are available to families nationwide, with priority being given to families residing in the Greater Houston area. Each family may receive up to $200 to be applied toward the child’s therapy, and funds are directly deposited to the therapy center.
Volunteer Opportunities
As an organization looking to expand out of the Greater Houston area, Autism Meets Faith is reliant upon volunteers. As a faith-based organization providing resources and support to children on the autism spectrum and their families, this would be a great opportunity for church groups, families who have been through similar experiences, and those looking to learn more about autism to volunteer. As a volunteer, you may help welcome families, answer questions for families, and play with the kids at Family Fun Days. Additionally, volunteers may help with the setup and organization of events that the mission hosts. Furthermore, if you want to volunteer but are not comfortable working with the children, there are admin opportunities where you can stay in contact with the families virtually.
Other Ways to Help
If you want to help Autism Meets Faith but cannot volunteer, there are other ways to help. One way you can help is by attending the organization’s fundraising events. One upcoming event for the mission is Bridge 2026, held on November 7, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston location. Bridge is a one-day summit that brings awareness to communities about autism and provides resources and support for families with children on the autism spectrum. The event allows attendees to build meaningful relationships with experts, providers, and other families while learning about practical strategies and insights that parents can begin using immediately.
Additionally, if you are unable to attend Bridge 2026 or any of the organization’s other events, you can visit the mission’s website and donate to the cause. On the website, click on the More option at the top of the page, click on Donate, and enter the amount you would like to donate.
Contact and Info
The website address is autismmeetsfaith.org. On the site, you can find more information about the organization’s mission, upcoming events, and ways to donate or get involved.
You can call the organization at (832) 224-1147 or email them at [email protected].
Autism Meets Faith is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. All donations made are tax deductible as per the IRS guidelines.
Meet Houston Missions and the Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is presented by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Paul H. Cannon is a partner in the firm.
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