Diverge Community Fundraiser

What

This ongoing fundraiser allows low and no-income neurodivergent adults to receive our essential services at low or no cost and other emergency services/supplies for folks in crisis. 

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Why

Started in early 2024 in honor of our late neurodivergent friend, Marie, who died by suicide, we have already had the opportunity to offer essential services to many vulnerable community members. We believe this fundraiser is essential because neurodivergent adults are far more likely to live under the poverty line and to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers. Having an improved understanding of one's neurotype, community support, and mental wellness services can literally save lives (Brown et al., 2024). 

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The Origin

In March 2023, we lost our dear friend, who we are calling

"Marie" for her privacy, to suicide. We chose to call her Marie as

she lovingly nicknamed everyone and everything "____" Marie. 

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Marie was a late-realized neurodivergent woman who brought

immense light and joy to every encounter. She was unlike anyone

else you'd met before or since, with contagious laughter and zest

for the ordinary. While that made her so lovably her, it also contributed to her sense of isolation. 

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Marie spent a majority of her late days bleach dying and re-selling upcycled shirts and sweatshirts and learning about her neurodivergent self. It was a newfound purpose for her, though tragically, one that came too late. 

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We continued her tie dying tradition in her honor through bleach dying and designing "Embrace  Your Brain" Crewnecks and tees that we sold to our community in Spring 2024, raising $2,100 in proceeds.

 

The Future 

We plan to continue with bi-annual fundraising sales to keep this fund alive and well. You'll likely also see the occasional pop-up fundraising opportunity as well. 

• Spring: Tie Dye Fundraiser (a new and style item each year)

• Fall: Silent Auction

Our current goal is to raise $5,000 annually, which would allow us to support 12 individuals over multiple sessions and reserve emergency funds for those in crisis.