The JT Foundation

The JT Foundation for Autism Awareness is a nonprofit New Jersey corporation organized solely for charitable purposes. It is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and is registered as a charity with the N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs.    

The foundation was founded  in 2006 to spread awareness about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and when possible to raise money. 

The JT Foundation for Autism Awareness has no paid employees and its officers receive no compensation for their services, and all efforts are conducted solely by volunteers, and include parents, siblings and friends of individuals with autism. 

Incorporated 2006 The JT Foundation for Autism Awareness and its Team for Autism Awareness IS NOT an organization that has been established to raise money for an individual. JT is the inspiration. 

During our infancy, The JT Foundation and its members have worked hard one mile at a time to bring  awareness to our communities by entering and competing in running, cycling and triathlon events all over the country.  In doing so we feel we have succeeded in raising awareness and have also helped parents of children with Autism  find the answers and the support they need to deal with this PUZZLING disorder. While awareness is and has always been our main focus we have also helped out team members raise monies that we look to donate each April (Autism Awareness Month) to individuals, families and or Autism related organizations that can use our help.

Our Mission

One child in particular who is affected by Autism is JT Hughes,  son of the Foundations founder.  Through his extraordinary efforts and determination we have learned that many children afflicted with Autism can break through their natural barriers – but there is still too little known about Autism and too much to do to find a cause and cure. The JT Foundation and Team for Autism Awareness are going to do our part, one mile at a time, to make sure JT and the countless other families get the information and help they need. We are primarily looking to raise Awareness, but also look to raise monies that we can then pass along to individuals and families that can use this help. Currently, the Autism experts estimate that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with Autism ranges from $3.5 to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for Autism (These figures include: research; insurance costs and non-covered expenses; Medicaid waivers for Autism; educational spending; housing, transportation, and employment; in addition to related therapeutic services and caregiver costs).

Our Members

 The JT Foundation is young and small, but we are growing stronger everyday and your support would be greatly appreciated. Our TEAM for Autism Awareness is made up of family members of  chilrdren with Autistm and the many others who have been touched by Autism and or want to make a difference with this ever growing disorder. Our efforts to support Autism awareness are conducted on a volunteer basis, and are done in large part through athletic pursuits.

Our Methods

The founding members of our organization are avid cyclists, runners, and triathletes who have been taking advantage of the promotional opportunities afforded by bicycle tours, cycling and running races, triathlons, and other endurance events to bring awareness and raise money for our cause. We have TEAM for Autism Awareness members all over the country, competing in many events that provide exposure to thousands of people; all while wearing our trademark Team for Autism running shirts and or and the very popular puzzle piece cycling and triathlete jerseys representing the TEAM.

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