Ted Lindsay Foundation fulfills $1 million pledge to Oakland University, supporting autism programming

The Ted Lindsay Foundation celebrated the fulfillment of its $1 million pledge to Oakland University with the presentation of a $40,000 check during the foundation’s annual golf outing in September. This final installment marks the culmination of years of support for the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University, a program that has made a profound impact on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The primary goal of the Ted Lindsay Foundation’s transformational gift was to help adults with autism develop the critical skills necessary to secure and maintain employment by increasing access to the Pre-Employment Skills Training Program. The program is vital in bridging a gap that many individuals with autism face as they transition into the workforce. Ted Lindsay's daughter and foundation secretary, Lynn LaPaugh, speaks passionately about her father’s legacy and the role of his wife, Joanne, saying, “Joanne and my dad loved the university and really liked how they were running the autism program. They wanted to support something close to home that would have a lot of impact on people and families. That’s what they loved about supporting the program at OU.” 

Established in 2001 by hockey legend Ted Lindsay and his friend John Czarnecki, the Ted Lindsay Foundation has been instrumental in supporting autism services and research. Ted Lindsay, known for his toughness and leadership on the ice with the Detroit Red Wings, carried that same determination into his philanthropic work. His foundation focuses on autism research, education and support services. Since its inception, the foundation has partnered with various institutions to create lasting impacts, including Oakland University’s OUCARES program now known as Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services. 

Alicia Garcia, director of the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University, expresses her gratitude for the foundation’s generosity. "The Ted Lindsay Foundation’s gift has been a game-changer for us. Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to expand our Pre-Employment Skills Training Program and provide scholarships to participants who otherwise may not have had access to these services. Their commitment has touched countless lives," Garcia says.

Joshua Alfonso, a program participant and scholarship recipient, credits the training program with helping him develop the skills for successful employment. “I first started the program in 2017. It offers a variety of services to people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, their families and the community. I studied about dressing up, interviewing and finding jobs. Then I was off to find a job at Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market in Rochester Hills. I’ve been working there since 2018. I first started out on easy food prepping on snack trays, dressings, peeling and cutting. I also worked as a dishwasher on Saturdays. Then, I was promoted to catering services. I work three days a week for five hours a day. I like working there and I’d like to thank the teachers and the OU staff for everything they taught me,” Alfonso says. 

The Pre-Employment Skills Training Program addresses a crucial need for individuals with autism to build social understanding and adaptability in the workplace. As part of the curriculum, participants engage in intensive training that prepares them to navigate real-world job scenarios. The program is designed to be inclusive, serving people at various stages of their education and experience.

Referencing the partnership, Mike Westfall, vice president for University Advancement at Oakland University, remarks, “The Ted Lindsay Foundation has not only provided generous financial support but has helped raise awareness about the importance of autism services in our community. Their impact will continue to be felt for years to come as we build on the foundation they’ve helped create.”

For more information visit oakland.edu/oucares or tedlindsay.org.