From the Founder

In 2001, Eric D. Williams Sr. son Elijah at age three (now 17) was diagnosed with autism. A loving father Eric always wanted the best for his children. Being new to the autism world, Eric and his family quickly became frustrated with the lack of available autism resources.

Eric focused his attention on areas of development that affected Elijah the most. Eric began doing research on after school program for individuals with autism. After years of extensive research, Eric discovered there were no such programs that exist in his community, statewide and nationally.

Eric created an after school survey and distributed it in Elijah's school. Within a few months, the survey had circulated in a few schools and the overwhelming responses indicated there is a need for such a program.

In 2004, with no knowledge of autism after school programs nor operating a non-profit organization Eric relied on his faith, passion, and motivation. As a result, Eric founded Project Elijah Empowering Autism (PEEA).

PEEA's focus is to provide daily resources to children and families who are faced with autism. With autism spreading at such an alarming rate, it's unacceptable not to have proper facilities for our children while the experts search for a cure.

PEEA began hosting monthly support meetings for families, care providers and anyone interested in learning about autism. In addition to the support groups, PEEA facilitated monthly arts/crafts workshops, athletics, and local field trips.

Currently, PEEA host bi-monthly tennis and basketball clinics and in the final stages of opening an after school program for individuals with autism-special needs in Philadelphia, PA.

PEEA's vision is to partner with a local school district and university to establish an elementary and high school based centers in each region of Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania. Future expansion locations to include: New Jersey, Delaware and any city where there's a need. Autism has no geographical nor ethnic boundaries.

Over the years PEEA has received several grants for community service as well as media coverage for advocating for autism and PEEA.

With faith, hope, love and dedicated individuals, PEEA will someday be a household name in the autism community.

 

Warm regards,

Eric D. Williams Sr.

Founder/CEO