The Open Arms Club was founded by Josee Li in May 2016. Stemming from her years of autism mentoring and desire to promote neurodiversity and acceptance in her community, she formed an initial group of 12 members. The club held its first event in late May for Big Brother Big Sisters of Bucks County, in which the club raised $659 from a car wash fundraiser. In September 2016, the Open Arms Club started the year with membership recruitment through the Activities Fair, drawing interest from many students.

 

The club began working closely with Autism Cares Foundation in late September in terms of fundraising and guest speaking. In December, the Open Arms Club was able to hold an independent event at the Bucks County Children's Museum called Exploration for All, in which families were able to enjoy the museum and provided crafts for free.

 

Open Arms became sponsored by Special Olympics in late December 2016 in regards to the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, a national movement started by Special Olympics. As of now, the club has reached out to over 1,000 people in the community and in grades 4-12. Our mission is to create an environment where neurodiversity is accepted, people-first language is used. In addition to speaking to students, it is a tradition for the Open Arms club to present the annual banner at the Special Olympics track meet at Council Rock North. 

 

Today, the Open Arms Club has expanded to over 50 active members who push for advocacy and social change. As a team, we hope to continue making an impact in the CR district and Bucks County. See Events to learn more about our continuing and new activities.