Introducing SPARK: A Place to Belong

Loneliness isn't just a quiet feeling — it's a heavy one. For many teens and young adults on the autism spectrum, social opportunities often fade after high school. The world can feel too fast, too loud, and too disconnected. That's why we created SPARK — a weekly social program designed for those who often fall through the cracks.

SPARK stands for more than just social skills. It stands for connection, confidence, and community.

What is SPARK?

SPARK is a social group for older teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. Many of our attendees are independent and capable — but finding peers who truly get them has been a lifelong challenge. SPARK provides a structured, welcoming environment to help participants:

• Practice meaningful social skills

• Build real peer relationships

• Gain tools for adult life

• And most importantly — feel like they belong

We started small, but have quickly grown — mostly young men with shared interests, shared struggles, and now, shared friendships.

The Impact We’ve Seen

Every week, we’re reminded why SPARK matters. The laughter, the side conversations, the shared movie quotes and inside jokes — they’re not just nice to hear. They’re life-changing.

Some participants are now comfortable being dropped off, joining community outings with confidence. For many, this is the first time they’ve felt socially safe and seen.

What’s Next for SPARK

As the group continues to grow, so do our plans. We’re working on more community-based outings, guest speakers, and opportunities for life skills development — all wrapped in the comfort of belonging.

If you know someone who could benefit from SPARK — or if you’d like to support this work — we’d love to hear from you.

At FAST, we believe no one should age out of connection. SPARK is just one more way we’re building a more inclusive, supportive future.

Call to Action:

👉 Learn more at fastvaldosta.com, or email us at tori@fastvaldosta.com