Autism Foundation Inspires Safety Harbor Woman

According to recent studies, roughly 50,000 people with autism turn 18 every year, a figure that is growing at an alarming rate of 17 percent per year.

Two years ago, one in every 110 children was diagnosed with autism, a neural development disorder characterized by impaired communication and interaction skills; that number is now one in every 50 children. 

Foundations and organizations dedicated to fighting autism, such as Autism Speaks, have been around for years, with more being created all the time due to the disorder’s rapid growth.

Vicky Westra founded Art For Autism in 2010, and Julie DeSelms was so moved by what she was doing, the Safety Harbor resident dropped what she was doing and joined the foundation in January.

“I met Vicky and (co-founder Micahel Glisson) and fell in love with what they were doing and decided to join them,” said DeSelms, who goes by Julz and has the endless energy needed for such endeavors. 

“I don’t have a child with autism but I know many people who do, and I was touched by what they are trying to do.” 

Working with Autism

The unique part about the Art For Autism foundation is it's not only helping people with autism improve their condition, it is teaching them skills to help them become productive members of society. 

The foundation’s global center for autism is focused on training autistic individuals to be part of the workforce and employing them in their Artistas Cafe franchises as well as other businesses. 

“Unemployment is so high, as high as 90 percent, for individuals with autism because people can’t get past their quirks and traits,” said Westra, whose 16-year-old daughter was diagnosed with the disorder when she was 4. 

“Our program is geared towards teaching them the skills like eye contact, communicating and multi-tasking that come so naturally to us.” 

After leaving the corporate world in 2006, Westra started her own coffee business before forming her foundation in 2007.

In 2010, her two passions merged following a meeting with Mercedes Benz of Tampa GM Frank Cuteri, who was looking to put a coffee shop in the new Dale Mabry Highway dealership.

"Frank said to come up with a proposal and see what we can do," Westra said. "It wasn't in my plans ever, but I said, 'What if we employ people with autism in the cafe?' He immediately said yes." 

Employees at the café must meet certain qualifications — they have to be on the higher end of the autism scale and be able to function in public — but they are also receiving on-the-job training on how to be productive members of society.

According to those involved, the café has been a huge success. 

“It’s been a huge anchor for the store,” said Leslie Gass, trade up and social media coordinator for the dealership. “A lot of clients come here just for the café. It's become a meeting place for employees, customers and guests.”

The employees are impressed, too. Well, somewhat.

"It fluctuates between being awesome and melancholic," 24-year-old Ray Lee Pack said. "While it may not have the adrenaline-fueled high of being a professional fighter, it's a tremendous job to work in."

The Future of Autism Treatment?

A business and promotional whiz, DeSelms is admittedly still learning how to be part of a growing foundation that has a core team of five people.

But Westra said she couldn’t imagine going forward with a planned second cafe location at Jabil Circuit in St. Petersburg without her help. 

“Julz has been such a blessing.” She said. “She does so many things well – P.R., promotions, marketing, helping with the culinary aspects…” 

“Is been so nice to have her come on board and see the mission and be so passionate about it.” 

DeSelms, who was the youngest president of the GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club and is involved in a number of other activities in the area, said it’s easy to give your all to something you feel passionate about. 

“Nobody is doing what we are doing with autism,” she said. “We’re not asking for handouts. We’re looking for partnerships with companies so we can put these people to work.” 

She and Westra believe they are making a difference in the autism community.

"I had a parent of a 3-year-old autistic child come to me and ask if there was hope," Westra related. "After spending time with us, he left and said there is hope for my son."

"That's what this is about. It's about not limiting what's possible with your child."

To find out more about Art For Autism, to donate to the cause or to learn about possible partnerships, visit the foundation's website at www.artforautism.org.

Stay connected to your community. Sign up for the free Safety Harbor Patch email newsletter and you won't miss a thing!