PA Inclusive, this week, announced the formal transition of its autism-focused sensory gym, Turn to Us, to Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere (S.A.F.E.) — a long-standing nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and their families.
This transition ensures uninterrupted access to trusted resources, advocacy, and inclusive programming for families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
S.A.F.E. Inc. will continue and expand this vital work by providing community resources, educational programs, family events, parent support groups, and access to its sensory gym — serving as a welcoming hub for individuals on the autism spectrum and their caregivers.
“Transferring the sensory gym to S.A.F.E. reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability and impact,” said Frank Bartoli, president and CEO of PA Inclusive. “S.A.F.E.’s history, deep community roots, and family-centered mission make them a natural steward of this work.”
Founded in 1995, S.A.F.E. began as a small group of families seeking connection, understanding, and shared resources. Over the past three decades, the organization has grown into a robust regional support system offering education, advocacy, family programming, extracurricular activities, and inclusive opportunities for children and families within the autism community.
Clair and George Shadie and Patricia and Joseph Gans co-founded the organization, inspired by their son’s autism diagnosis. S.A.F.E. became the first and longest-standing autism support organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
With support from leaders like former Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum, and the efforts of the Shadie and Gans families, S.A.F.E. helped fund groundbreaking therapies and advocated for statewide support networks. Their initiatives led to partnerships with Wilkes University, Children’s Service Center, and Luzerne and Wyoming County MH/MR services, among many others.
S.A.F.E.’s mission is to support and empower families affected by autism spectrum disorders by identifying services and activities tailored to their unique needs while fostering inclusion within both the local community and the broader ASD community. This mission is grounded in the belief that individuals with autism can lead full, purposeful, and fulfilling lives.
“We are incredibly excited to get the sensory gym back up and running and to continue providing meaningful support to our community,” said Malinda Knipfer, executive director of S.A.F.E. Inc. “Having empowering services available in Carbon County creates a space where families and individuals with autism can gather, learn, and engage — knowing they are not alone.”
Families engaged with PA Inclusive-affiliated autism programming can expect a seamless transition, with continued collaboration between S.A.F.E. and PA Inclusive to ensure stability, service continuity, and long-term growth for the families they serve.
PA Inclusive supports individuals and families in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Berks, Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton, and Columbia counties.
Visit autismsafe.org and painclusive.org for information.