2023 WNC Run/Walk for Autism: Mr. Jesse Wills

Self portrait

This is the 18th year the Wills Family has participated in the WNC Run/Walk for Autism.

Jesse is forty-two. His home is Marlowe Place, a supported living home, one of two managed by the Autism Society here in Asheville. The Autism Society of NC is the first place we turn to for information, services, guidance, and advice. Among the strengths of The Autism Society of NC is the outstanding training it gives to all its employees who provide direct care and supported employment for individuals on the autism spectrum. Another strength is advocacy which benefits every family with a member on the autism spectrum.

The best news to share about Jesse’s year is that he has a job again! It took a while to find the right match, but the ASNC hit it out of the park when his coordinator helped him land his DREAM job at The Hop Creamery in West Asheville. Jesse loves working at the creamery! The Hop staff are all supportive and make working there a pleasure. Among the many job tasks he enjoys are putting The Hop logo on take-out cartons, crushing cookies for their yummy cookies and cream ice cream, wrapping their delicious brownies, washing ice cream tubs with a co-worker, and even handpicking fresh mint grown especially for their mint ice cream. Of course, he has a job coach trained by the ASNC who accompanies him each day on the job.

Jesse continues to enjoy volunteering for Meals on Wheels and painting wonderful art. He loves his daily walks and hikes and the social gatherings provided by the ASNC. He's become quite the baker and enjoys helping prepare dinners at his house.

The WNC Run/Walk for Autism provides us the perfect opportunity to support the Autism Society. It is also the perfect opportunity for family and friends to support Jesse and the amazing man he has become.

The Wills Family cannot imagine Jesse's life without the Autism Society of NC. Please help us by donating to Jesse's personal page and/or running or walking with Team Marlowe. We thank you!

Achievements

Front Runner Fundraiser

Successfully Raised $2,500 or More!

Personal Progress:

of Goal

$2,932 Raised

$1,000.00

Fundraising Honor Roll

Trey Scarborough

$309

Katie & Lewis Wills

Betty and Al Scarborough

$206

Ms. Jennifer Branch

$154

Sherrie Mahowald

$103

Aunt Carol & Uncle Tommy

$103

Jan bedingfield

$103

Anonymous

Dan and Sherry Smith

$103

Al and Pam McKee

Lacy and Scardaville

$103

Jennie Springer

Jesse Wills

$103

Bobbi and Johnny Schaad

$100

Philip and Betty Staley

$100

Joyce Fox

$100

Becky Stovall

$100

Barry Cooper

sandra scarboeough

$51

Elizabeth Harzoff

$51

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The Autism Society of North Carolina is the leading statewide resource organization serving people across the autism spectrum throughout their lifespans.

We understand the challenges of the autism community because we work with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families every day. We offer advocacy, training and education, and direct care that helps individuals with autism to, increase their social and communication skills, develop independent-living skills, succeed in school or on the job, participate in community activities, and advocate for themselves.

We have a statewide network of resources, connecting individuals with autism and their families to life-changing programs and supports unavailable anywhere else.

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Jesse Wills' Personal Fundraising Page for the 2023 WNC Run/Walk for Autism