Who We Are

The ASH Foundation is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and the families and communities that surround them. We believe meaningful impact happens when communities come together—not just to give, but to create, serve, and connect across differences.

Our work centers on inclusive events, collaborative partnerships, and hands-on service opportunities that provide joy, dignity, and belonging for people facing physical, intellectual, emotional, or situational challenges.

What We Do

The ASH Foundation designs and hosts community-based initiatives that serve two essential groups at the same time:

1. Individuals and families with special needs

2. The broader community members who come together to support them

By intentionally engaging people of all ages and abilities, our programs create connection, creativity, and shared purpose—strengthening everyone involved.

Flagship Initiative: Inclusive Halloween Experience

Our most recognized initiative is an annual inclusive Halloween event, designed specifically for individuals with special needs. This event provides a safe, welcoming, and joyful experience for participants who may not otherwise be able to access traditional community celebrations.

In 2025, the event welcomed over 430 participants, with attendance continuing to grow each year. We partner with organizations such as the NAC and have previously collaborated with TURN, ensuring the event is responsive to the real needs of the populations we serve.

While this Halloween experience is a cornerstone of our work, it represents just one part of a much broader, year-round mission.

Community-Powered Creation (Year-Round Impact)

What makes the ASH Foundation unique is how our programs are built.

Throughout the year, we host and coordinate smaller community build days and creative events where:

• Youth groups
• Families
• Church groups
• Men’s and women’s groups
• Assisted living communities
• Service missionaries
• Individuals with and without special needs

come together to help design, build, and prepare décor, games, and experiences for our larger initiatives.

These efforts provide:

• Meaningful service opportunities
• Creative expression and skill development
• Intergenerational and inclusive connection
• A shared sense of purpose and joy

In this way, communities actively support other communities, and the process itself becomes a powerful form of impact.

Additional Programs & Partnerships

Beyond our flagship event, the ASH Foundation supports a range of initiatives aligned with our mission, including:

• Providing direct support to individual children and families facing hardship (such as sponsoring a bicycle for a student navigating significant personal challenges)
• Partnering with organizations like Bend to Baja to Build and Blessed to Bless to help build homes and deliver essential household items for families in Mexico
• Collaborating with other nonprofits on joint fundraising events and service initiatives, including organizations such as TURN, The Magic Yarn Project, and other community-focused partners
• Offering financial contributions, volunteer labor, and logistical support to causes we believe create meaningful, measurable good

We prioritize collaboration over duplication—amplifying impact by working alongside others rather than operating in isolation.

How Donations Are Used

Contributions to the ASH Foundation directly support:

• Materials and resources for inclusive community events
• Program development and operational costs
• Expansion of year-round initiatives
• Strategic partnerships with aligned nonprofit organizations

We track participation, volunteer engagement, and partner feedback to guide responsible growth. As we expand, we are formalizing measurement around attendance, reach, and partner outcomes to ensure accountability and sustainability.

Our Vision for Growth

The ASH Foundation is intentionally growing beyond a single event into a sustainable, community-centered organization. Our future focus includes:

• Expanding inclusive programming for individuals with a wide range of special needs
• Developing repeatable systems that communities can engage with year after year
• Increasing capacity through grants, partnerships, and corporate matching programs
• Piloting additional initiatives, including educational and support-focused programs such as chronic pain awareness and community education

We define “special needs” broadly—recognizing that many individuals and families face unique challenges that deserve compassion, understanding, and support.

Join Us

Supporting the ASH Foundation means investing in:

• Inclusion over exclusion
• Community over isolation
• Purposeful service over transactional giving

Together, we are building experiences—and systems—that remind people they matter.