Each year, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa highlights volunteers across the state who make a difference in their communities. Midland members nominated 6 such individuals!
Nominee: Lisa and Mike McCarty of Ames
Organization: All Aboard for Kids
Website: Visit the All Aboard For Kids website
Nominators: Frederick Gulden of Ames and Sean Dowling of Story City
After recognizing the need for well-rounded, engaging, and fun summer programs for their own children with autism, Lisa and Mike McCarty took it upon themselves to create All Aboard for Kids. The organization’s summer programs provide opportunities and resources that support families and individuals living with autism spectrum disorder, accepting autistic youth where they are and extending their potential in a safe and structured environment. The programs feature certified lead educators and specially trained support classroom staff.
All Aboard for Kids’ programs focus on a STEAM-based curriculum (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and workplace readiness for teens and young adults with the goal of helping develop academic, interpersonal, self-advocacy, and critical life skills.