F.A.C.E.S. Northwest is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation founded and operated by parents of children with autism in Whatcom County. We conduct an eight-week therapeutic recreational day camp in July and August for children and young adults with autism from ages 5 through 21. Our campers are exposed to community involvement, independent living skills, academic enrichment and positive social relationships using evidence-based strategies. We work in partnership with school districts to offer an Extended School Year (ESY) program, targeting the specific needs of autistic children and young adults according to their Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Each camper is teamed with a one-on-one instructional assistant in order to maximize their potential for success.
In 1997, a small group of concerned parents came together, all looking for the same beneficial treatment and support for their children with autism spectrum disorder. The unique nature of autism, with the tremendous stress it inflicts on families, demands ongoing and focused individual support for each child and their families as a whole.
At the time there were no educational or recreational programs that supported the specific needs of children with autism during the summer months and school breaks. Over the summer their children stagnated or regressed, negating any gains made during the school year. These families responded to the critical need for year-round education and support for children with autism by founding the non-profit organization Families for Autistic Children's Education and Support (F.A.C.E.S.).
F.A.C.E.S. is a grass roots effort whose mission is to help children and adolescents with autism grow socially and academically, and to become active participants in their community.