Acknowledging Autism Awareness Month at Hangout One Happy Place

April is Autism Awareness Month, which means the Baldwin-based Hangout One Happy Place is preparing for its annual walk to mark the occasion.

Standing at the forefront of autism advocacy, the nonprofit organization aims to raise awareness for the neurological and developmental disorder and foster community support during the walk, to be held at Baldwin Harbor Park, at 3232 Grand Ave., beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

“When we do our autism walk, the young adults are running the show,” Angela Lucas, founder of Hangout One Happy Place, said. “They are out, front and center, in front of everyone.”

Hangout serves as a safe space for children, teens and young adults with autism to socialize and participate in a range of activities. World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated annual on April 2.

Lucas has worked with many of them during her 16 years in the Baldwin School District’s special education department, first as a lunch monitor then as teacher’s aide. She founded the organization in 2019, and the following year, she was named the Baldwin Herald’s Person of the Year.

The walk for autism is the organization’s flagship event, spotlighting its members and their contributions. Since the event’s inception in 2020, it has garnered significant attention, drawing more than 200 community members and elected officials to participate.

The annual event also features musical performances by those on the autism spectrum, dancing, raffle drawings and arts and crafts activities. The gathering not only raises awareness for autism but also celebrates the diverse talents and strengths within the community.

Lucas said that this year’s walk would be the first to have sponsors, a concept inspired by Richard Brodsky of the Richard M. Brodsky Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for a cure for AIDS or vaccine research to benefit those living with HIV/AIDS.

Her goal was to get three local businesses to sponsor the walk, but more than 50 have already stepped forward, including the Irish Pub, Café Oasis, and Harbor Delicatessen, raising more than $8,000.

The preparation for the event commenced last month, with participants ranging from ages 15 to 38 actively engaged in organizing the itinerary. Specifically, the members took charge of curating the set list that would be performed for their guests. Notably, this task was undertaken independently, without direct guidance from Lucas.

“It was such an honor,” Lucas said, “to see them come together and do something as a unit without a leader.”

Participants are expected to sing “Moments We Live For,” by In Paradise, and “Spread the Happiness,” by Oh, Hush!, interacting with audience members by leaving the stage and walking around the audience.

Hangout recently reached a major milestone, celebrating its fifth anniversary in February. Lucas shared her surprise and gratitude with the organization’s impact, whether it’s through its activities at the South Baldwin Jewish Center or its community involvement.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “My heart is so touched by all of this — the kindness, the love — it’s beautiful.”

For more information on the walk, call (516) 375-1102.