Sunday, April 20, 2025
As April approaches, Baldwin is preparing to honor Autism Awareness Month with the return of the annual Autism Walk, hosted by Hangout One Happy Place. This year’s event promises to be bigger and more impactful as the nonprofit continues its mission to raise awareness and celebrate the strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.
The walk, announced last month in a Facebook post, is set for April 27 at Baldwin Harbor Park. It will begin at 1 p.m. and feature a variety of activities showcasing the talents and contributions of the individuals Hangout serves.
Hangout One Happy Place has become a cornerstone of support for children, teens, and young adults with autism, providing a safe space to connect, grow, and participate in social and creative activities. Since its founding in 2019, the organization has been a vital resource for local families, highlighting the abilities of its members.
“It’s getting bigger and better,” Angela Lucas said, founder of Hangout One Happy Place. “It has been bringing more awareness, and we saw it last year when over 200 people came. It’s a time for my students to shine and bring awareness to autism.”
Lucas announced that sponsorship opportunities for the event are now available. Sponsorships start at $100 for a business name on the back of an Autism Walk T-shirt or $150 for a logo placement. The deadline to sponsor is March 27.
The event’s significance extends beyond the walk itself, with musical performances, dance routines, raffle prizes, and interactive activities designed to engage the community. Through these festivities, Hangout One Happy Place aims to both educate and celebrate the diverse talents within the autism community.
“They sing the national anthem, say the Pledge of Allegiance, make speeches, and do a fitness demonstration,” Lucas said. “The way they dance and the joy they bring while raising awareness—it’s amazing. We all become one that day.”
In the months leading up to the event, members of the organization have been actively involved in planning, curating the event’s music lineup, and setting the overall tone for the day.
As the organization marked its sixth anniversary last month, the annual walk has become a highly anticipated event for community members and local elected officials, symbolizing both progress in autism awareness and the strength of community support.
“It’s about the way the community comes together to support us,” Lucas said. “To see my young adults practice their dance routines, perform on stage, and impact the people attending the walk—that’s what makes it so special.”
