Linda and Frank Kuepper were recently honored as Outstanding Community Partners by The Council Rock Education Foundation at a sold-out breakfast for community and business leaders.

 

The Kueppers are the founders of Autism Cares Foundation, of Richboro, Pa., a non-profit organization that provides life enriching programs and events for children, teens and young adults affected by autism, helping to improve their life experiences.

Rick Rogers, senior vice president of UBS Financial, was also honored as an Outstanding Community Partner for his community and business leadership. The breakfast was held at the ChancellorCenter in Newtown.

The Outstanding Community Partner Award was presented to Frank and Linda Kuepper by Allison MacGahan, co-president of the Council Rock Education Foundation.

Autism Cares Foundation Board members Christine Paul and Mary Pagel spoke about the Kueppers and the Foundation, bringing tears to the eyes of many who attended the event.

Paul, who has known the Kueppers for 15 years, eagerly joined their mission. “I have seen their difficulties and how much they have overcome and how much they see that the whole community needs to give so much more to autistic individuals,” she said.

“They have a vision and a mission to give events at no cost thanks to everybody in the community and the surrounding area. Thank you so much for all that you do for the autistic families,” Paul said. “You two are inspirational and compassionate, and we need all of you to make the lives of all of these families with autism a little bit easier.”

Pagel and Paul also praised the Kueppers’ 18-year-old son, Frankie, for everything he has given to his family and the many families that are helped by the Foundation.

Mary Pagel, a behavioral therapist, came to the Kuepper’s home in 2006 and said she was immediately adopted. She was there when the dream of the Foundation was born. “Frank said he was thinking about doing something for the families of these children who have no place to be. This Foundation literally began at their kitchen table. It is so rewarding to be part of this Foundation,” she recalled.

The many supporters say that what is remarkable about the Kueppers is that they saw a need to help their son, and other local families, and stepped up. They also put all of their heart into improving the lives of children with autism and their families.

While sitting at their kitchen table, some six years ago, the Kueppers had a personal need, their young son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism and his life was vastly different from their typical child, Frankie, who had friends, social engagements and endless activities. “You could say that the world was his oyster,” Frank Kuepper explained. “In contrast, Michael, was not getting invited to birthday parties, he wasn’t going bowling, and he couldn’t go to the movies like regular kids do because his behaviors might upset the regular movie patrons.

“Although there were some programs available, they weren’t offered with enough frequency for Michael to become accustomed to it,” Frank Kuepper said. “Due to his disability, Michael was missing out on the things that kids get to do when they are kids. It was a sad time.” Michael is now 16 years old and enjoys many of the Foundation activities along with his parents and older brother.

Instead of sitting back and becoming immersed in that sadness, the Kueppers took action. They started Autism Cares Foundation in their home, established a board of directors, and went full speed ahead. “Our collective idea was to fill the voids that weren’t being addressed by other agencies,” explained Frank. “We wanted to give kids on the autism spectrum the chance to be kids, just like all of the other kids.”

During the past years they have been richly successful. More than 500 programs have been offered to children with autism and their families, most of them free of charge. They include: Bounce U parties, sensory friendly movies, Glee club, fitness classes, holiday parties, a teen prom, and much more.

Now these visionaries have their sights on their next dream. The long-term goal for the Foundation is the development of an Autism Center of Excellence and Life Enrichment Facility. The Kueppers envision a multi-faceted facility that will encompass many of the needs in a centralized setting.

Of exceptional interest is the Foundation’s iPad program that was started at the CouncilRockSchool District. This program helps individuals use new methods of learning and communication through the use of iPads and similar devices.

The organization has researched hundreds of apps to help guide parents toward those that may be the most helpful for their particular special learner. The iPad program has given those who cannot speak for themselves a voice to be heard.

For Frank Kuepper all of the hard work he, his wife and the Foundation supporters have invested over the years has paid off. “When you go to one of our events and you see one of our kids do something that they couldn’t do before, or when you see a smile on their face, because they are happy, you know why we do what we do.”

“What we are doing is giving these children moments of accomplishment, developing a sense of self worth and pride, and providing opportunities that are making a difference in their lives,” Frank Kuepper said. “What we do isn’t always easy; yet witnessing their personal growth is the greatest reward and well worth all of the hard work and effort. Everyone makes a difference…the difference is the difference you choose to make, and together we are all making a major difference.”