News and Knowledge

For the eighth year in a row, OAR has been ranked a “top-rated” nonprofit by GreatNonprofits. This rating is based on reviews from the many OAR friends, supporters, and community partners who offered their perspectives about OAR during this year’s campaign. OAR is honored and deeply appreciative of such a positive response to our continued efforts to raise money, fund research, and change lives for people with autism and their families.

“From the beginning, we said that the best measure of our success would come in the form of feedback from those OAR serves,” said Mike Maloney, OAR executive director. “That’s exactly the basis for the recognition we received again from Great Nonprofits.”

Here are some of the highlights from the 2017 reviews, which touch upon many of the important aspects of OAR programming:

• “As a new volunteer with OAR, the team provided a comprehensive overview of the history of autism and the organization’s goals. The team also highlighted resources available to families and how we as volunteers may remain involved. I thank OAR for enlightening me regarding autism and how we can make a difference for the organization and empower people living with autism to lead healthy lives. Thank you again for the opportunity to volunteer.”
• “The Organization for Autism Research is my saving grace! I run for them, I raise funds for them, and I am heavily involved in everything they support! As a parent, there are no words when an organization is dedicated and committed to research, education, and resources to assist with children, teenagers, and adults touched by autism. Just knowing that they are there for all of us is a blessing! Thank you for all that you do every day!”
• “I was awarded a scholarship from OAR that was instrumental in helping me successfully complete college. As a person with autism, I know there are not always many resources available for older students or adults on the spectrum. I am glad that OAR has chosen to do much of their work in this area specifically, which I think is unique among organizations working with autism.”

Being a “top-rated” nonprofit greatly helps OAR both in fundraising efforts and in reaching a wider audience of families, educators, and self-advocates. OAR is grateful to Great Nonprofits for the recognition and to its friends and supporters for affirming OAR’s positive work within the autism community.