Blue Ridge Haven: A Faith-Centered Vision for Adults with Autism and Autism Families
A Christian Nonprofit Retreat
A place where autism families
can breathe again.
Nestled in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are building a sanctuary of rest, renewal, and belonging — rooted in Christian faith and built for families who need it most.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
— Matthew 11:28
Our Mission
Rest, renewal, and belonging — for every family.
Blue Ridge Haven Foundation is organized to serve individuals and families affected by autism, developmental disabilities, and caregiver fatigue by providing respite care, family support, educational and life-skills programming, faith-based retreat opportunities, and a residential village where adults with autism may experience belonging, meaningful work, purpose, and hope.
Our Vision
We envision Blue Ridge Haven as a Christ-centered haven in the Blue Ridge Mountains where retreat, respite, residential community, and sustainable mission enterprise come together so families touched by autism and developmental disabilities are no longer alone, caregivers are strengthened, Christians serve with compassion and faithfulness, and adults with autism flourish in a community of faith, belonging, meaningful work, purpose, and hope.
Why Blue Ridge Haven?
Three reasons this place matters.
Autism families are exhausted.
One in 36 children is diagnosed with autism. Their families love deeply — and they are tired. Caregiving is relentless, support is scarce, and rest feels impossible. They need more than a break. They need a haven.
The Blue Ridge Mountains heal.
There is something sacred about these mountains — the quiet, the open sky, the unhurried pace of nature. We are building on land that invites stillness, where families can walk trails, breathe clean air, and remember what peace feels like.
Christian hospitality changes everything.
We are not a clinical program. We are a community of faith that believes every family deserves to be welcomed, seen, and served. Church groups, volunteers, and ministry partners come alongside families — not to fix them, but to love them.
Who We Serve
Every family that needs a place to belong.
Blue Ridge Haven opens its doors to the families who carry the most — and deserve rest the most.
Autism Families
Parents and children navigating the daily realities of autism — who need rest, community, and hope.
Caregivers
The tireless individuals who give everything to the ones they love, and rarely have space to receive care themselves.
Siblings
Brothers and sisters who love their sibling deeply and also need space to play, be seen, and simply be kids.
Adults with Autism
Adults with autism deserve more than a program — they deserve a life. A place to live in community, grow through vocational training, and wake up each day with real purpose.
A Place to Live, Work & Belong
A Planned Residential Community for Adults with Autism
A central part of the Blue Ridge Haven vision is the creation of a planned residential community where adults with autism can live, work, grow, and belong. Rather than viewing adults with autism only through the lens of care, Blue Ridge Haven seeks to recognize their gifts, abilities, routines, interests, and desire for meaningful purpose.
The long-term vision includes supportive housing, trained residential staff, life-skills instructors, vocational mentors, behavioral support partnerships, and daily opportunities for adults with autism to contribute to the life of the community.
The goal is to provide more than services. It is to create a home, a job, a rhythm of life, and a place of belonging where adults with autism are known, needed, valued, and supported as they grow in independence and purpose.
Known. Needed. Valued. Supported.
Every resident will have a role, a rhythm, and a reason to wake up each morning. That is the Blue Ridge Haven difference.
Currently
In Development
Phase 1 Vision
Building the foundation of the Haven.
Phase 1 focuses on securing land in the Blue Ridge region and establishing the core infrastructure that will welcome the first families. Every dollar given today is a stone laid in the foundation of something that will serve families for generations.
Land Acquisition
Identifying and securing the right property in the Blue Ridge Mountains — accessible, peaceful, and ready to grow.
Site Planning & Design
Working with architects and accessibility experts to design cabins, common spaces, and sensory-friendly outdoor areas.
Founders Circle Campaign
Raising the initial funding through our Founders Circle — visionary donors who believe in this mission from the beginning.
First Family Retreat
Opening our doors to the first families — welcoming them into a place built just for them.
Ways to Partner
You can be part of building this.
Whether you give financially, serve with your hands, or simply pray — there is a place for you in this mission.
Sponsor a Family
Cover the cost of a family's retreat stay — giving them the gift of rest they could never afford on their own.
Sponsor Now →Join the Founders Circle
Become a founding donor and help us secure land, build infrastructure, and open our doors to the first families.
Become a Founder →Partner With Us
Churches, businesses, and organizations can partner with Blue Ridge Haven to serve families and extend the mission.
Explore Partnership →Contact Us
Have questions? Want to learn more? We would love to hear from you and share the vision in more detail.
Get in Touch →Join the Mission
Help us build a place where families can finally rest.
Every gift, every prayer, every act of partnership moves us closer to opening our doors. A place where autism families can breathe again is within reach — and you can help build it.