Doing Autism Better Together
Tracy Sekhon knows first-hand the challenges of raising children with autism. As a mother of two sons on the autism spectrum, Tracy has created a community center to provide the support and resources for families in similar situations.
“When my sons were diagnosed, I was grateful to have had direction with obtaining the resources that could help them.” Tracy shared with Giving Back Magazine. As a business owner, she had the time and flexibility to ensure her sons received everything they needed to thrive. “Most, however, do not have the same time, flexibility and resources that I have had.” From that realization, ARTC; Autism Resource & Treatment Center was born.
The mission of ARTC is to provide a community based center for those with autism, to access the tools they need to live their best lives and provide a place for the families and caregivers to go for support. ARTC is a non-profit organization that is built to serve all ages on the spectrum; from newborns to adults. The services will range from diagnosis and treatment roadmaps to social groups, counseling, job and life skills. Tracy explains the most rewarding part of her work as the founder of ARTC, is that “this collaborative care model will most certainly improve lives!” Alongside the rewards, Tracy is working through the challenges one by one. The most challenging of them all, is obtaining the support necessary to get the center open. “There are significant time and financial investments required. I definitely cannot do this alone!” Tracy also shared that the organization is in need of autism ambassadors to volunteer their time and expertise. The first center will open in Rancho Bernardo this summer.
As part of the effort to get the doors of ARTC San Diego open, Tracy and her team have organized a fundraising event that will be held at Bernardo Winery on June 7, 2019. The ARTC Auction for Autism and Wine Pairing Experience will be an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres, local craft beer, live and silent auctions, entertainment and exciting raffles. One of the special guests will be Ms. Southern California 2019, Wendy Goetschel. Wendy’s platform is special needs inclusion and she is also an autism Mom, with a 16 year old son that is on the spectrum! It is sure to be a fun evening and it is definitely for a great cause!
“I founded ARTC to bring all of this together, under one roof, to provide collaborative, effective and efficient care.” Tracy said. “I believe that we can do autism better together!”
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Tracy at (858) 357-8747 or visit www.artcsandiego.org/events.
