The Owen Foundation

02/21/2026

⭐️ Be an informed donor ⭐️

Your generosity deserves protection.

Not every organization that uses the word “nonprofit” is a federally recognized 501(c)(3). And that distinction matters both legally and financially.

A true 501(c)(3) charitable organization is officially recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt.

It operates under federal guidelines, is governed by a Board of Directors, and is required to maintain financial accountability and transparency.

Most importantly for donors, it is authorized to provide tax-deductible receipts for contributions, as permitted by law.

If you are giving with the understanding that your donation is tax-deductible, you should:

• Verify the organization’s 501(c)(3) status through the IRS
• Expect proper written acknowledgment of your contribution
• Receive a year-end tax statement for your records

⭐️ At The Owen Foundation, every donor receives an official annual tax statement by January 31 for the prior calendar year, issued by our appointed Treasurer in accordance with federal compliance standards.

We believe transparency is not optional, it is a responsibility. We believe stewardship is sacred. And we believe donors deserve clarity.

Please protect your generosity. Ask questions. Verify status. Give confidently.

Your gift should make an impact, not create uncertainty.

-The Owen Foundation

02/21/2026

I’ve been thinking about how people insist “autism is autism” and we don’t need terms like profound autism… so here’s a quick thought experiment.

Look at this headine:

“Looking for a babysitter for my autistic son.”

That headline tells you nothing.
Because “autism” can mean my son Jude who’s independent, brilliant, talks nonstop about soccer, manages his day, and mostly just needs someone in the house…

Or it can mean my son Charlie who cannot be unsupervised for even a minute, is nonverbal, uses AAC, may get aggressive or injure himself, eats inedible objects, has zero safety awareness, and can wreck a room faster than gravity.

Now add one word:
“Looking for a babysitter for my son with PROFOUND autism.”

Suddenly you know the assignment.
You may not know every detail yet, but you instantly understand this isn’t a “keep him company and heat up some nuggets” situation. You’re picturing a child who may be nonverbal, destructive, aggressive, have severe intellectual disability, require constant supervision, and need someone who actually knows how to keep them safe.

That’s why the term matters.
Not to divide people. To stop erasing those who need the most care.

Profound autism exists.
Naming it helps kids (and adults) like Charlie.
Ignoring it helps… mmh absolutely no one.

02/19/2026

Fifteen states recognized Profound Autism Day in 2025.

Help us expand that momentum to all 50 states in 2026 by asking your legislators to file a proclamation now.

👉 Take action here: https://ow.ly/p3Sy50YhKir

02/18/2026

🙌🏻

Elevate Cheer received a bid to compete at Worlds competition in Orlando, the team learned Tuesday night. The elite cheer team waited together to hear whether they would advance to the competition in April.

02/17/2026

In less than two weeks, the City of Denison will officially proclaim April as Autism Awareness Month and, for the first time in history, recognize March 17 as Profound Autism Day.

This is a meaningful moment for so many families in our community.

If this touches your heart in any way, we invite you to join us.

This gathering is open to the public and created for our autism community, so please come stand with us.

02/11/2026

So proud of our Kidlinx educators who spent their evening attending a special Autism Training tonight!

Your commitment to learning and growing helps us better support every child and every family we serve. Because of you, we continue to create an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.

Reach every child, every day, every way. 💙

02/07/2026

Congress has directed NIH autism research to include the entire autism population, including people with profound autism — the first time this language has appeared in a bill signed into law by a President.

This is a meaningful step forward. Now comes the work of ensuring it is implemented as intended.

Read more:
https://mailchi.mp/profoundautism.org/congressrecognizesprofoundautism

02/06/2026

We are honored to welcome Dedra Gallegos as a valued member of The Owen Foundation Board of Directors.

She has previously served a 3 year term on our board and an additional year volunteering as an honorary board member.

Dedra is an autism mom, advocate, and community leader passionate about supporting families impacted by special needs.

She is the co-host of Mighty Moms Podcast: a podcast for Autism Moms (families) who are also on the autism journey.

Dedra also serves as the Ministry Leader for Light of Mine Special Needs Ministry at First Baptist Church in Durant, Oklahoma, where she works to create inclusive spaces rooted in faith, compassion, and belonging.

Through her advocacy, leadership, and lived experience, Dedra is committed to empowering parents, raising awareness, and building stronger communities for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Dedra’s faith-driven leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to families make her an invaluable part of The Owen Foundation, and we are grateful for the heart and vision she brings to our mission.

02/05/2026

We are honored to welcome Bobby Whitney as a member of The Owen Foundation Executive Board of Directors.

Bobby is a dedicated leader in the field of autism services and a passionate advocate for children with disabilities and their families.

He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Radiant Autism Center, a North Texas-based organization providing personalized, research-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to help children with autism develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and daily living.

A resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Bobby is married to Angie, an elementary school teacher in Southlake, Texas. Together, they have two children attending Auburn University.

Bobby’s commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities extends deeply into his community involvement.

He is a lifetime member of National AMBUCS, where he has contributed to providing scholarships for therapists and sponsoring Amtryke adaptive tricycles that promote mobility, independence, and joy for children in need.

An active member of 121 Community Church in the Grapevine/Southlake area, Bobby leads Men of Granite, a men’s Bible study life group focused on spiritual growth and fellowship.

His prior board service reflects a consistent focus on helping kids with disabilities, including roles with the Irving Healthcare Foundation (affiliated with Baylor Scott & White), the AmTryke sponsorship board, and the Buckner charity board.

We are honored to have Bobby’s experience, leadership and heart added to our organization’s Board of Directors.

02/05/2026

Freezin’ for a reason! 💙

🥶💙 Ready to take the plunge, Durant? 💙🥶

The Polar Plunge is happening Saturday, February 7 at Choctaw RV Park, and it’s all to support Special Olympics Oklahoma! Brave the cold, support an incredible cause, and show your Durant pride.

🕘 Check-in: 9:00 AM
❄️ Plunge time: 11:00 AM

Whether you’re jumping in or cheering from the sidelines, we’d love to see you there. Bundle up, bring your friends, and let’s make a splash for a great cause! 👮‍♂️🧊

02/04/2026

Please help us welcome Ryan Knight to the Executive Board of Directors of The Owen Foundation.

Ryan Knight is a practicing chiropractor who leads four clinics and is also a business and life coach, as well as a driven entrepreneur.

He is deeply committed to helping individuals and organizations achieve lasting success and overall well-being.

Ryan is passionate about guiding others toward better health, personal growth, effective leadership, and balanced living.

A lifelong resident of the Texoma area, Ryan takes great pride in serving the community that has shaped him both personally and professionally.

He has been married to his wife, Amy, for over 33 years, and together they have raised three sons who continue to inspire and motivate him every day.

Built on a foundation of integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, Ryan’s professional journey aligns beautifully with the mission and values of The Owen Foundation.

We are honored to welcome his leadership, experience, and heart for service to our Executive Board.

💙 Welcome to the TOF family, Ryan!

02/03/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Shalyn Hernandez back to the role of Treasurer on The Owen Foundation’s Executive Board of Directors.

Shalyn faithfully completed a three-year term as Treasurer, and in accordance with our bylaws, took a one-year sabbatical—yet even during that time, she continued to generously volunteer her time and talents in support of our mission. Her dedication never wavered.

Shalyn Hernandez is a banker with nearly 18 years of experience at First United Bank, where she has built a progressive career across multiple areas of banking including frontline service, leadership, and operations. Her journey reflects a steady expansion of responsibility, operational expertise, and team leadership. She currently serves as Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager, leading one of the bank’s operational teams.

Her connection to the Foundation’s mission is also deeply personal. As a former special needs parent, Shalyn spent five months caring for her angel baby who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, an experience that shaped her heart for families navigating complex medical and developmental journeys.

We are incredibly grateful for Shalyn’s steadfast commitment, financial stewardship, and heart for the families we serve. Her return to the Treasurer role for another term brings both continuity and confidence as we continue to grow and serve our community.

Welcome back, Shalyn—we are so thankful for you! 💙