The inspiration for Erin’s Hope came after a significant loss experienced by Stacy Horst and her husband in 2014. Following the death of their daughter, Erin, they felt a strong urge to make a difference. "Four days after Erin’s death, my husband and I found ourselves on her bedroom floor, grappling with our grief. It was in that moment we felt compelled to make a change," Horst shared.
Erin faced isolation during her teenage years due to autism, particularly on weekends when social activities were inaccessible. To address this, Erin’s Hope was established as a club where children and young adults with autism can participate in activities without facing social judgment. "We wanted to create a space where they could have fun and connect with others – no therapy, no parents allowed, just friendships," Horst explained.
Described as similar to a mini-Dave & Busters, the club offers games, sports, and creative pursuits for individuals seeking relaxation and connection. A notable success story from Erin’s Hope is Sam, who joined at its inception. "Sam has transformed into an inspiring success story. He has traveled to Austria as an engineering intern and learned to fly, even owning his own plane," Horst noted.
Since its founding in 2015, Erin’s Hope has supported over 5,000 individuals and is expanding across the country. "Our goal is to have a club in every major metro market, similar to the Boys and Girls Club," Horst stated.
Horst's dedication extends beyond founding the organization; she actively contributes to its growth and development. The charity also aims to provide resources for young adults entering the workforce. "We want to equip them with essential skills like job applications and interview techniques. The need for these connections is immeasurable," she added.
Horst's efforts have been recognized by the NAR Good Neighbor award for bridging community support gaps for families affected by autism. "Every story we hear of friendship and connection reinforces why we started this journey," she expressed.
Celebrating its 25th year, the Good Neighbor Awards honor Realtors committed to volunteerism alongside their professional expertise. As one of five winners this year, Horst will receive a $10,000 grant for her charity and be featured in Realtor Magazine's fall 2024 edition. Additionally, Erin’s Hope was selected as one of three Web Choice Favorites, earning an extra $1,250 bonus donation.