May is a major fundraising month as Meristem participates in Sacramento’s Big Day of Giving, May 5th, with 4 Free Virtual Facebook Live Classes.  In addition, Meristem holds their annual Awaken the Possible Event on May 11th. These fundraisers not only help monetarily support Meristem’s programs, field trips, and campus events but also help Meristem reach a wider audience to those that aren’t aware of the mission to help young adults on the spectrum gain a greater life of independence, through one of their most requested offerings, driver’s ed.

Meristem brings back driver’s ed and students are thrilled; students currently have the option to work with work skills instructors, studying with trips to the DMV to take the written test. Meristem has partnered with Bond Driving School, who employes instructors certified in adaptive training to assist students throughout the required hours of driving training and prepare them to pass the driving portion, get their driving license and blaze the trail to independence. 

On May 6th & 20th, students will join The Tug McGraw Foundation as The Meristem Phillies take on The Tug McGraw Foundation Mixed Nuts. For most, this will be the first opportunity to experience playing baseball, hearing fans chant their name as they bat, serve hotdogs, announce a game, and lead fans into a song of “take me out to the ballgame.”

Meristem closes out the program year with an End of Year Celebration reflecting on the growth students have experienced over that last 9 months. It’s a special time to celebrate students transitioning out of Meristem with a speech and announcement of their plans, for many, into the workforce or college. 

Meristem, a non-profit 501c3, founded in 2015 is a unique program dedicated to preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Meristem’s multi-year program serves students ages 18–28. Our residential students come from across the United States. Our day students commute from homes throughout the Sacramento region.