The Weaving Place: Thriving Together
Who We Are
We are a small, but diverse group of parents, from different backgrounds, with different skills and experience. What unites us is our love for someone with autism or intellectual disabilities, our shared concern for their future, and our faith that God has a beautiful plan for their lives.Together we have formed The Weaving Place, Inc. to build a neuro-inclusive community where everyone of different abilities can live, work, create and thrive together.
Our Mission
The Weaving Place is a nonprofit, dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive, and sustainable living solutions for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID/D) in North Carolina’s Catawba Valley. With one in 40 children diagnosed with autism in our state; higher than the national average; we recognize the urgent need for innovative approaches to housing and support for neurodiverse adults.
Our mission is to weave together community collaboration, accessible resources, and tailored support to ensure that individuals with autism and/or ID/D can thrive - living fulfilling, independent lives in an inclusive, faith-rooted community they can call home.
The Challenge
In the United States, only about 25% of individuals with autism achieve independent living. The majority rely on family members for housing and care, a solution that becomes unsustainable as parents age or pass away. In North Carolina, the situation is compounded by a Medicaid waiver waiting list of approximately 15,000 people, which limits access to community-based support services. Without these services, many neurodiverse individuals face emergency situations, institutionalization, or even homelessness.
Financial barriers further complicate the issue. Many neurodiverse individuals are unemployed or underemployed, often subsisting on Social Security Income (SSI) of less than $10,000 per year—an amount insufficient for housing or basic needs. Housing voucher programs, while helpful, are plagued by long waiting lists and a scarcity of available units.
Our Solution
The Weaving Place is committed to addressing these challenges through three key pillars:
- Increasing Housing Availability:
Through collaboration with the Catawba Valley community, local organizations, churches, and stakeholders, we are working to develop accessible, affordable housing options tailored to the needs of neurodiverse individuals. By partnering with local agencies, we aim to bridge the gap between housing demand and availability, ensuring that neurodiverse adults have safe, stable places to live. - Providing Tailored Support:
We believe that every individual deserves support that matches their unique needs. Whether it’s assistance with daily tasks like medication reminders or more comprehensive care, The Weaving Place will help connect neurodiverse individuals with community-based services that promote independence and dignity. Our approach is cost-effective, offering a better alternative to institutional care while prioritizing the well-being of each person. - Rooted in Faith:
We also believe life is better for all when lived in a community with different abilities, especially community rooted in faith and love.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (Ephesians 4:9-10 & 12b)
Why It Matters
When families can no longer provide care, neurodiverse individuals often face crisis situations. Siblings or relatives may step in, but not all families have this option. Without adequate support, these individuals risk becoming emergencies for the state or facing homelessness. By fostering community-driven solutions, The Weaving Place ensures that no one is left behind. Our work not only supports neurodiverse individuals but also alleviates the burden on families and the broader community.
Join Us
The Weaving Place is more than a housing initiative—it’s a movement to build a stronger, more inclusive Catawba Valley. By partnering with local organizations and churches, advocating for policy changes, and creating sustainable support systems, we are weaving a brighter future for neurodiverse individuals. Together, we can make a difference.
Get involved today! Contact us to learn how you can support our mission through volunteering, donations, or partnerships. Visit our website for more information on our programs and upcoming community events.
Core Beliefs and Values of The Weaving Place
We Believe:
- That God knit (or wove) us each together in our mother's womb. Every one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. (Psalm 139:13-16)
- That God wants to be woven into the center of every relationship because He loves us and knows what's best for us, so life and relationships work better with Him at the center.
- God wants to "weave together neurodiverse and neurotypical people living, working, creating and thriving together for our good and His glory. (Ecc. 4:12 and Col. 2:2)
We Value
- The dignity and value of each and every person, because we are all created in the image of God and loved by Him.
- Relationships because we believe we all find our greatest purpose, fulfillment and meaning through our relationships, first with God and secondly with others.
- Working and creating together to bring meaning and purpose to our lives as we discover and use our God-given talents.
- Sharing life together with all of our different abilities and perspectives