TAKE ACTION & SUPPORT
Your support fuels Meristem’s mission, empowering young adults on the autism spectrum and neurodiverse individuals to achieve greater independence, social connectivity, and meaningful employment. Together, we can build inclusive communities where unique abilities are celebrated.
Join Meristem and create lasting change!
Refer a Student or Family
Know someone who could benefit from Meristem’s transformative programs and/or want to become a referral/program partner? There are several options to get connected:
We invite you to share our website or contact Chelsea Sanderson, Enrollment Director, at Chelseas@meristem.pro for more information and/or program materials to share.
Complete our referral form.
Subscribe to our enrollment mailing list.
Learn more about Meristem’s Enrollment Process.
Become an Employer Partner
Partner with Meristem to TAP into a loyal, skilled workforce.
- Individuals with autism and developmental disabilities are committed, reliable, and valuable team members.
- Join Meristem’s Transformative Autism Program (TAP) for expert guidance in hiring, training, and retaining neurodiverse talent.
Partnering with Meristem supports your business in recruiting and training talented individuals whose skills align with your goals.
Employer Highlight: “Having individuals on the spectrum has changed our culture,” said a so and so at a partner business. (customize)
Participant Success Story: So and So began working one day per week at BLANK and quickly increased to two days per week with job coaching support, mastering tasks, and enhancing his independence. Now he is a valuable part-time employee at Blank and has been there for three years (customize)
Meristem Work Skills Team Offers Employers:
- Expert Recruitment: Identifying and placing talented neurodiverse individuals in roles aligned with their skills.
- Seamless Onboarding: Comprehensive training support from dedicated job coaches.
- Long-Term Success: Continued vocational support ensuring sustained employment success.
- Partnerships for Inclusive Workplace Training: On-site training promoting welcoming, inclusive workplaces.
Contact Eric Steward, Work Skills and Transformative Autism Program Director at:
eric@meristem.pro
Thank you to our amazing Employer Partners!
Become a Training/Internship Partner
Help your business thrive and become a more inclusive workplace.
Meristem’s Work Skills program provides students with paid internships, preparing them for successful employment. Real-world experience from internships benefits partners enriches corporate culture and enhances community inclusiveness.
Internship partners not only support these individuals in gaining valuable real-world work experience, but they are also fully supported by the work skills team and receive valuable support from the intern workforce.
To learn more or become an internship partner, contact Eric Steward, Work Skills Director at eric@meristem.pro.
Volunteer
Volunteers amplify Meristem’s impact, enriching the lives of our students through time, skills, and compassion. Meristem has a wide range of volunteer opportunities available.
Explore volunteer roles and get started – Volunteer with Meristem.
Sponsor Or Make a Gift
Your generosity transforms lives. Supporting Meristem means investing directly in the futures of neurodiverse young adults. Your donation directly enhances confidence, independence, and opportunities.
Explore giving options tailored to your philanthropic goals – Ways To Give
Build Awareness & Be an Ambassador!
Are you passionate about transforming lives, raising autism awareness, and creating inclusive communities? Join our Ambassador Group and help champion Meristem’s mission!
Who Are Ambassadors? Our ambassadors are dedicated supporters who meet just a few times a year with one shared goal: to raise awareness and support for Meristem across the community. Ambassadors:
- Invite friends and family to fundraising events and community fairs.
- Act as advocates, representing Meristem at events and speaking out on issues impacting the autistic community,
- Host intimate fundraising gatherings to support our vital work.
- Amplify our messages on social media and other outreach platforms, especially during urgent campaigns.
Why Become an Ambassador? The Ambassador Group is perfect for passionate individuals who want to support Meristem without compromising their busy personal or professional schedules. With minimal meetings and flexible engagement opportunities, being an ambassador fits seamlessly into your life!
Ready to Make an Impact? Contact our Development Director, Zoe Fishman, to get started:
Zoe Fishman
Development Director
Zoef@meristem.pro
Attend or Host an Event
Support Meristem and make a direct impact by attending our inspiring fundraising events or by hosting your own drives or affiliate events!
Each event you participate in or host helps us build stronger community awareness, deepen connections, and expand essential support for our mission.
Whether you choose to join us at an event or creatively organize your own fundraiser, your involvement will foster meaningful change and empower the neurodiverse community.
Patronize Our Social Enterprises
Support student growth, development, and employment by visiting/purchasing from our unique social enterprises:
- Meristem Café: Staffed by Meristem students and interns, the Meristem Café offers delicious and nutritious seasonal food and beverages for you to enjoy, as well as assorted baked goods that will leave your mouth watering
- Café Hours: Open Thursday & Friday, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Reservations: reservations are not required but can be made by emailing reservations@meristem.pro, or by calling or texting (916) 768-6390.
- View menu here
- Herbal Arts Shop: Discover beautifully handmade herbal products crafted with care by Meristem students, available year-round in Café Meristem. You can also purchase or gift a subscription to Meristem’s amazing Herbal Arts Subscription box curated quarterly.
- AirBnB & Campus Event Rentals: Hosting an event or needing accommodations? Maintained and staffed in part by students and work skills interns, Meristem offers charming spaces available for rent to support our programs.
To inquire about rentals or learn more, please get in touch with:
Gavin Sellers
Development Coordinator
gavins@meristem.pro
(916) 917-6882
Your patronage directly supports student learning, skill development, and community integration!
Spread the Word and Get Social
Amplify awareness about autism and neurodiversity right from your fingertips! Join our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You’ll get inspiring stories, event updates, engaging content, and simple ways to help spread our message!
