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In a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact, J. Christopher Group has joined forces with The Autism Project, a local organization dedicated to supporting families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The partnership was born out of personal experience – Principal Broker and Owner Jarrod Lewis shares, “My son was diagnosed with ASD at age one. We didn’t know where to turn for help or resources.” This connection to the autism community has fueled J. Christopher Group’s passion for supporting the vital work of The Autism Project.
Inspired by the organization’s mission, J. Christopher Group has taken significant steps to provide support. Lewis makes a monetary donation for every closing at the firm, contributing quarterly to ensure that families in need have access to essential resources. In addition, the team has organized annual fundraisers, including a casino party that raises funds for the center. “The donations help keep the center open for families that don’t know where to turn,” Lewis explains. “I just try to do what I can to help financially support the center and raise awareness with clients.”
Supporting The Autism Project aligns seamlessly with J. Christopher Group’s mission to prioritize the needs of clients above all else. “Although we are a for-profit company, we eliminate as much outside noise as possible,” Lewis states. “We just focus on the clients' specific needs. There are no quotas to fill.” This client-centric philosophy extends to the community, where the firm aims to foster compassion and understanding.
Through this partnership, J. Christopher Group has made a tangible difference in the lives of families navigating autism. The casino event, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, sparked greater awareness through social media marketing, helping to amplify the center's message. “The event brought more awareness via social media marketing,” Lewis notes, highlighting how even small efforts can lead to significant change.
Looking ahead, Lewis is excited about future initiatives in collaboration with The Autism Project. He has been discussing the possibility of reviving the casino event, potentially transitioning it into a primary fundraising event for the center, while he promotes it. Furthermore, every Halloween, he transforms the first floor of his office into a sensory-friendly “haunted” house for the kids at the center. “I know how hard it is for a parent when trying to give your ASD child the same holiday experiences that you enjoyed as a kid. I feel that this event, as small as it is, helps bring a moment of joy and normalcy back into their lives,” he reflects.
For those interested in supporting this vital cause, J. Christopher Group is exploring opportunities for clients and community members to get involved. While current initiatives may be limited, there are plans to provide directional links on their website or blog to raise awareness about The Autism Project. Lewis also distributes flyers at each closing, informing clients about the donations made and the center’s invaluable services.
This partnership is deeply personal for Lewis, whose only child, Jonathan, is autistic. While he acknowledges that the support largely stems from his individual commitment, he hopes to inspire greater involvement from his team. “In a perfect world, I could get everyone more involved,” he says, highlighting the need for community engagement.
Despite the challenges of time and workload, the partnership has opened the door to broader awareness and understanding. “I’d like to think it helps everyone open their eyes to a much bigger world. Kind gestures and creating special moments for others has a powerful impact on your overall mentality. What’s nothing to you may mean the world to someone else,” Lewis adds.
As J. Christopher Group continues to forge ahead with The Autism Project, the firm remains dedicated to making a difference in the lives of families affected by autism. To learn more about the partnership and how you can help, visit https://theautismproject.org/. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community.