CONTACT: Marlene Passell (561) 281-4014
JUPITER, FL – You’d think golf legend Ernie Els moved his family across the Atlantic from their home in England to Palm Beach County because of its plethora of golf courses. But it was something much more personal – the diagnosis of his young son, Ben, with autism and a search by Els and his wife, Liezl, for the best services possible, that brought them here with Ben and their daughter Samantha.
What they found here were some of the best, high-quality services, but soon realized, like every other family facing similar circumstances, that the services were scattered and, often like finding a needle in a haystack. That changed in 2009 when the Els partnered with publisher Marvin R. Shanken and started the Els for Autism Foundation.
They put together on one 26-acre campus all needed services – from diagnosis through education, vocational training, and job placement — under one roof and to share best practices, research, and curricula internationally. It provides a community for families and individuals with ASD to connect, find support, and engage in cutting-edge programs and services.
And, next week, those services will be brought full circle with the groundbreaking of the Stoops Family Foundation Adult Services building. The new 21,000-square-foot, $7.1 million facility to be completed in 2023, will provide tools and guidance to adults on the autism spectrum needed to navigate their futures.
The Els and Shanken will lead a private groundbreaking event on Monday, April 4 at the campus in Jupiter. You’ll also hear from a man with autism who is now employed by Els for Autism, two donors who together donated half of the needed funds and why they invested so much in this project, and local businesses that have employed adults with autism and why they make great additions to the workforce.
[Media: this event is by invitation only. The Els and Marvin R. Shanken will be available for interviews]
Event details: Monday, April 4 at 10 a.m. Location: 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter. 33458
FACT SHEET
Facts About Els For Autism®
with information about the Stoops Family Foundation Adult Services building
