Meet Julie Kent-Partridge

We ask all our partners the same questions. We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know our guest!

1. Please share your relationship to autism: The CEO of Bridging Our Gaps Non-Profit is a mother of a 24 yro Son with Autism. Our entire Board of Directors have those with Autism or work directly with those with Autism. Our CEO also works on school campuses on a weekly bases providing direct support for those with Autism. She is also a disability and special education advocate that provides case management services and teaches the art of case management services to others (Interns) for those with Autism. In addition to all of this support we also work with many military installations within our state as the CEO of Bridging Our Gaps is a Military Veteran Retiree spouse and seeks to bring awareness to our many installations on how they can better serve individuals with Autism and better support their Veteran family members.
   

2. What services does your organization provide? Our Non-Profit provides IEP/504 advocacy and support for those with Autism. We also provide case management support for those who are applying for the many benefits that our state offers and will also help with benefit appeals for this who need this support. Our Non-Profit offers adaptive recreation/socialization scholarships (all ages) for those on a fixed income that will contribute to overall mental health and personal wellness goals. Our Non-Profit also provides College Internship experiences for those attending local colleges and that are obtaining their Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Social Work. Our Goal is to teach many what it takes to support a person who has an Autism diagnosis.

   
   

3. What would you like to tell our audience about your organization? Our Non-Profit was created to improve mental health wellness as navigating the many areas all throughout life while having or supporting a loved one who has Autism can be mentally fatiguing. We are here to be the voice for you and while you take the time you need to regain the mental stamina to continue the fight for advocacy. We help all ages and all stages of Autism. We will help get to your diagnosis and then follow you through life, supporting you/your loved one and will be alongside you while you continue to champion things related to Autism navigation.

4. What motivates you to support the autism community? More supports are needed to support those with Autism. Our CEO is passionate about teaching and is definitely passionate about getting more involved to support this effort. The CEO of our Non-Profit has faced many challenges and as it pertains to raising her son. She is not alone in her journey and seeks to enhance the many systems that she has battled since starting her journey supporting those with Autism.

5. What advice would you give to someone new to their autism journey?‍ ‍It is important to share your story. These stories help others as sometimes these advocacy battles can make family members feel alone and isolated. Also, it is important to "Be the Voice" and advocate when others can't. Advocacy can become mentally fatiguing. It is important to recognize that by, taking a step back and by practicing self care, you will get the rest that you need to continue your ongoing journey. Our loved ones with Autism are counting on us and we need to "put our oxygen masks on first". Our Non-Profit was created for that purpose. We seek to be the voice of reason and while the family member or person with Autism takes care of themselves and we teach the family what is needed along the way.

   
   

6. Additional information you would like to share: Our Non-Profit educates Legislators, Group Homes, Law Enforcement, School entities and other Government entities about the challenges that this population faces and also shares current trends and resources that will help them support our very vulnerable population. Our goal is always to inform and to support.

   
   *This organization accepts donations AND has volunteer opportunities available!