Woodystock Blues: A Hand Up Foundation exists because support for autistic people is organized around childhood. School services end, the caseworker closes the file, and the family is left holding a lifetime.
We are a foundation dedicated to providing support and assistance to families of adult children living on the spectrum — through education, the arts and entertainment — and to providing compassionate education to the general public about the unique struggles these adults face. We promote autism awareness, community support and neighborhood values.
Everything we do starts from the same belief: every individual deserves the chance to shine, whatever they are up against. We are small, we are local, and we hand our money to families rather than to overhead.
A hand up, not a handout
Our grants buy capability — training, tools, access — so the result outlasts the gift.
Adults, specifically
We do not duplicate the children's services that already exist. We work where the map goes blank.
Dignity in the language
No pity, no inspiration stories. Autistic adults are neighbors, players, workers and friends.
Music as the door
A blues show is a low-cost, high-joy way into community. We keep that door open.
Who runs the foundation
Katy Woodard
Katy runs the foundation day to day — she takes the calls from families, decides what we can fund, and answers the phone herself. Reach her directly at (760) 963-4994.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
We work out of Lake Havasu City and reach families across Arizona, Nevada and California — wherever the festival and our partners take us.