Empower Dreams
Support, Access, and Training for Families of Neurodivergent & Autistic Youth
Navigating the care system for a child who learns, plays, or communicates differently can feel overwhelming. Long waitlists, underdiagnosis, and complicated processes often leave families searching for answers and community.
The Empower Dreams Pilot Program is a new initiative designed to bridge that gap. We provide families of neurodivergent and autistic youth (primarily ages 18 months to 8 years old, with support extending up to age 12+) with immediate access to free developmental tools, professional advocacy training, personalized care navigation, and a supportive community.
What the Program Offers
Free Developmental Screenings: Skip the waitlists. Our trained staff provides free, culturally competent screenings to help you better understand your child’s unique developmental timeline, strengths, and needs.
Immediate Family Support: Regardless of screening results, we connect you on the spot with vital local resources, ranging from environmental health and lead prevention to therapeutic support.
Caregiver Advocacy & Support Training: A specialized, six-session training series built just for caregivers. You will learn actionable strategies to confidently advocate for your child in school, medical settings, and the community. (Space is limited to 20 families for our first cohort).
Monthly Caregiver Circles: Our monthly circles offer a safe space to connect with other parents, share experiences, and ask questions to professionals in the community. With active trainings, small-group conversation, and a set-aside sensory room for childcare, bring your family and grow your support system.
Family Leadership Team: We are seeking a team of 5-7 passionate, involved Caregivers who want to help build, revise, and strengthen this program for the future. We will work together to ensure the program best fits this community's needs and the families it aims to serve. Whether you are currently navigating the system or have been navigating it for years, we invite anyone interested to reach out and find out how to get involved!
How to Get Involved
The pilot program is fully funded, with additional stipends and transportation assistance available for enrolled families. However, space in our intensive caregiver training series is limited to 15–20 families to ensure personalized attention. Families interested in our training series should reach out to Empower Dreams Program Coordinator Ryan at 716-844-8045 or rlotocki@kulc.org
Ready to take the first step? Join us at the Empower Dreams kick-off event on Sunday, October 25th! With plenty of community vendors present to help and engaging activities for youth, this open house is a great first step to understanding your child’s current development, support systems, and care pathways going forward.
You can also call our team to schedule your family's initial screening and survey.
Sign Up for our Open House. Reduce your wait time for a free screening.
October 25, 2026 10 - 3 PM
This kick-off event is an open house, and walk-ins are welcome. However, by signing up, you can schedule a screening that works for you. Caregivers who sign up get a fast pass to screening and a free book to take home.
