About Us
OUR WORK
Did you know that 5.4 million adults are living with Autism in the United States? For decades the CDC has collected data and released information about the prevalence of autism in children, but 2020 marks the FIRST TIME the CDC reported on adults. This data only confirms what we have known - there is a significant population of adults with autism who need quality services and support. We launched Future of Blue Foundation because we see the tremendous need that exists all around us and want to do what we can to help improve the adult lives of individuals with autism.
OUR MISSION
Future of Blue Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports treatment resources for people, 21 and older, with autism who need continuous proper care and learning to live meaningful lives. Through fundraising and charitable donations, Future of Blue focuses on supporting effective, science-based intervention programs that will enhance the lives of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We believe that all individuals with autism have a purpose. By providing the needed support individuals have the potential to live fulfilling, productive lives in their communities. We continually ask, how bright is the future of blue?
OUR FOCUS
We focus on the needs of people with autism and their families. We support exceptional educational, clinical, and vocational programs that look towards making fundamental shifts in life skills and personal and career development. We invest in meeting individuals where they are most often - in their program, at home, and in their neighborhood.
The Future of Blue Foundation positively impacts adults with autism in our community and beyond to live out their lives with purpose. So, while we’re happy with what we’ve accomplished in our first event, we’re very much looking ahead to continue growing our work in exciting new ways as we serve the community.
We hope you’ll join us in unlocking the amazing potential of every individual with autism.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jennifer A. Zona
Co-Founder and Executive Director
A lifelong advocate for individuals with special needs / neurodiversity, Jennifer Zona has extensive experience in designing and implementing high performing special education programs that are rooted in researched based best practices that support students with disabilities to achieve high levels.
Jennifer Zona is the Executive Director of Future of Blue Foundation. She is a passionate educational leader with teaching, diagnostic, and administration experience. She completed her master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in learning disabilities; prior to that, she earned her BA in Rhetoric and Writing at Mount Saint Mary’s University. In addition she has post graduate certifications as an Autism Specialist, Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician, and Educational Leadership.
Jennifer places a significant level of importance to educational programming, generalization of skill set, integration, equity, and the social emotional impact if we want to close the ability gap between individuals with special needs and their peers. She believes that designing and implementing these programs using a methodology with evidence-based practices to meet the individual’s needs is the cornerstone of obtaining full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
Her goal is to ensure that all individuals receive an inclusive and equitable education that promotes lifelong learning opportunities.
FINANCIALS
Future of Blue strives to leave a large programmatic footprint while exercising fiscal discipline. We look for strategic partnerships and deploy funds judiciously to gain deep and long-term success. We are the proud organization behind Future of Blue 5K Run, a benefit that occurs annually, and provides a large portion of the funds to educational, vocational, social and community-based programs in the tri-state area.
In addition to the 5K run, Future of Blue relies on the generosity of donors and funders to forward our mission. Future of Blue Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Tax ID# 88-1189415.
