The Autism Support Famagusta Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 to serve the Famagusta region in Cyprus.
With a growing need for autism support, the association’s mission is to foster a society that respects and includes autistic individuals. Inspired by the question, “What happens when parents can no longer care for their autistic children?” a group of parents came together to create solutions, such as the Smile Project, a day center for adults over 21.
The next goal is establishing a residential care program. Their work highlights the importance of inclusion, community support, and teamwork.
Can you introduce your charity and provide an overview of its mission and purpose?
Autism Support Famagusta Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013, based in the Famagusta region of Cyprus. Serving a population of around 100,000 people, the need for autism support has risen dramatically over the past decade. Our mission is to build a society that recognizes, respects, and promotes the inclusion of autistic individuals, striving to create opportunities that cater to their specific needs and ensure their dignity and rights are respected.
What inspired the establishment of your charity, and what motivated its founders to address this particular cause?
The charity was born from a deep concern shared by a handful of parents: “What happens when we can no longer care for our autistic children as they grow into adults? Where will they live when we’re gone?” This question, often left unanswered by society, drove our founders to take action. We recognized that placing this burden on siblings was not a sustainable solution. Over 10 years ago, we planted the seed for Autism Support Famagusta, aiming to address the gap in services for autistic young adults over the age of 21, focusing on establishing a day center and long-term residential care.
Are there any specific populations or communities that your charity focuses on serving? What led to the decision to prioritize these groups?
Our focus is primarily on young autistic adults over 21, as Famagusta currently lacks any specialized services for this age group. Once they finish school, these individuals are often left without structured support and remain at home. In response, we launched the Smile Project in 2019, the first specialized day center for autistic adults in the region. It not only supports individuals on the spectrum but also provides guidance and education for their families. We follow UK Care Quality Commission standards, but due to space limitations, we are currently at full capacity, serving eight individuals. Our next step is the second phase of our Smile Project, which involves creating a residential program to offer long-term care for autistic individuals. We are excited to partner with the Municipality of Ayia Napa, who has provided land for this project.
What is the importance of events like the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon to support your cause?
Events like these are essential, not just for raising funds, but for spreading messages of inclusion, awareness, and acceptance. Participating in these marathons gives people the opportunity to challenge themselves individually, while also contributing to a greater cause—helping others. It’s not always about the money; it’s about the values of teamwork, love, and community support that these events promote.
