CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Meet Annmarie Houle and her son Evan Volpert.
Evan, 26, is on the autism spectrum. He became critically ill a couple of years ago and was placed in a medically induced coma. Annmarie says it changed her perspective on life.
“I wanted to start something myself, and that’s how Bridge the Spectrum came about,” Annmarie said.
Bridge the Spectrum is a nonprofit organization that hosts activities and social events for adults on the spectrum.
“There are a ton of programs out there for kids that are on the spectrum, but when you turn 18, it seems as though there are less programs out there,” she said.
From bowling to game nights to community gatherings, the goal is simple: connection.
“We want people to connect, that’s the main thing,” Evan said. “It makes me feel whole to help those who feel lost and don’t have the proper connections to make friends.”
The mother-son duo hopes Bridge the Spectrum becomes more than just a place to attend events.
“I wanted to build something that everyone came come together and feel welcomed and comfortable and have fun mostly and build those friendships and hopefully be able to take those friendships and do stuff even outside of Bridge the Spectrum,” Annmarie said.
A place where friendships are formed, support systems are built, and people know they’re not alone.
“That’s what I want to do with my life is help those that are like me find those connections,” Evan said.
