Giving in Action: Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville

Founded by a group of parents, Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville provides support and services for adults with autism and their families. Breakthrough’s services include a residential community and respite and recreation opportunities, as well as individualized services unique to the participant. First and foremost, Breakthrough strives to build and nurture a community of support and friendships. So much beautiful happening there. ​

Judi Brookshire, the Chair of the Board of Directors, shares her thoughtful personal account partnering with See Beautiful:

My husband and I first met See Beautiful Founder Lydia Criss-Mays when she was a student at the University of Tennessee. She came to us having agreed to help with our son who was diagnosed with autism and had a significant history of behavioral issues. My husband had his doubts given Lydia’s slight stature compared to that of our son (6”8” tall and stout). I could tell from the first day, however, she was an answer to our many prayers for help in what was a very difficult and trying time not only for us but also our son. She worked hands-on with Luke for several years. Lydia was one of those special people who was destined to devote her life to improving the lives of others, particularly children and the disadvantaged. It came as no surprise to us that she founded an organization like See Beautiful with its simply stated but wonderful mission.
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See Beautiful has and continues to provide an amazing amount of support for Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, a residential community with supported living, community and employment opportunities, and socialization services to help adults with autism be as successful as possible. The community includes several homes and apartments in a neighborhood setting for its residents encouraging the development of living skills, independence, and opportunities for the development of friendships and independence. The people Breakthrough serves can choose to live in the neighborhood or other locations in the Knoxville community. Breakthrough was founded by a group of parents who recognized there were no opportunities for their children with autism once they aged out of the school system.

See Beautiful has helped Breakthrough in every step of its existence including the first programs offered before the residential community existed, our Saturday Respite and Recreation Program. See Beautiful has continued to provide support for numerous employment and community programs. Appropriately, the first home to open in the Breakthrough neighborhood in 2008 is named after See Beautiful founders, Lydia and Andrew Mays. In the community, it is affectionately known as “the Mays House.” I can’t adequately express how much Breakthrough appreciates the mission and generosity of See Beautiful and how thankful and proud we are to have to have Lydia and See Beautiful in our lives.

Thanks, Judi, for your willingness to share! And See Beautiful is beyond thankful and proud to have Breakthrough as part of the family. ​

Author

Jannan Poppen, Giving Coordinator