April Charity Partner: NEXT for AUTISM

We love giving back to our local and wider community through our monthly charity partners. In 2025, we donated a total of $272,121.40 to charities we love!

This April, we’re partnering with NEXT for AUTISM to support their wonderfully innovative organization. 

Read to learn more about who they are, their mission, and how you can support them too.

NEXT for AUTISM’s Mission and Vision: Who Are They?

As with any great charity, NEXT for AUTISM has a personal story at its origins. Previously known as New York Collaborates for Autism, this organization was founded by Laura Slatkin and Ilene Lainer in 2003. 

Both Slatkin and Lainer have sons with autism. It was from their desire to challenge social ‘norms’ around autism and advance services for those living with autism that led them to start NEXT for AUTISM. 

Fast forward 13 years, NEXT for AUTISM has established itself as a powerhouse organization that seeks to create innovative services and programs to improve the lives of people (and their families) living with autism. NEXT for AUTISM’s aim is to reach the 5.4 million adults in the US with autism through their various initiatives and partnerships in the country. 

NEXT for AUTISM believes that programs for people with autism should be catered to them and their needs. It’s with this ethos in mind that NEXT for AUTISM creates innovative programs designed to help individuals with autism live the lives they deserve: fulfilling, exciting, and productive, all made possible by top-quality services and a sense of connection to the community. 

What Does NEXT for AUTISM Do?

NEXT Connects 

NEXT Connects builds meaningful connections within the workspace. Matching established professionals with graduates ready to enter the workforce, this mentorship program supports young people living with autism as they navigate a new space.

NEXT for AUTISM Fellows 

This work-based scholarship program is for health and human services students, providing paid work experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and tuition assistance. 

NEXT Grants Program

NEXT grants support various programs across home, work, health, and social areas. This financial investment is crucial to the running of innovative programs. 

Workplace Inclusion

Workplace inclusion involves the NEXT Connects mentorship program, along with providing extra resources for autistic individuals who are entering the workforce. There’s also support for employers seeking tools that can help them improve inclusion. 

What Can You Do To Help?

NEXT for AUTISM defines your role in helping them as supporting, serving, or sharing. Whatever you have the capability to do, you have a real chance at making a difference. 

Support 

• Become a monthly donor and give what you can

• Start a campaign of your own through events with friends or family 

Serve

• Become a part of the NEXT Gen Board of young professionals

• Become a part of the NEXT for AUTISM Fellows  

Share

• Stay connected through social media 

• Invite NEXT leaders to speak at your organization and raise awareness

Looking to Give Back? Shop Casely!

As we said above, we love giving back to the community, and NEXT for AUTISM is an awesome partner to work with in our #EveryCaseCounts initiative. 

When you buy a Casely case in April, a portion of the profits goes directly into the pocket of NEXT for AUTISM. And what’s more, if you post a picture of your chic new case with #EveryCaseCounts, an additional dollar will be donated. 

What are you waiting for? Buy a case (or two) today and feel good in helping a worthy cause too.