Urban Autism Solutions

What Urban Autism Solutions does

Urban Autism Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Mike and Julie Tracy in Chicago, Illinois, that serves young adults ages 16-22 with autism and related developmental disabilities. The organization addresses the post-secondary transition gap — a period when traditional school-based supports end and autistic young adults face unemployment rates of 70-80% and elevated social isolation. UAS operates four integrated core programs: the West Side Transition Academy providing clinical and vocational services to Chicago Public Schools students; Growing Solutions Farm, a 1.2-acre urban farm in the Illinois Medical District that doubled program impact with a 2024 heated hoop house and offers hands-on agricultural training, CSA subscriptions, and farm-stand sales; Life Lab, a fully furnished three-bedroom townhome in Little Italy for real-world independent living skills practice; and Social Networking events including Monthly Meetups and Urban Hike With Mike. Supporting programs include Clean Sweep (workforce cleaning initiative), Washdog (dog-walking vocational service), Summer Boot Camp, One Summer Chicago, Summer Ambassadors, and Taylor Sweep internships. The organization has served more than 1,000 young adults cumulatively and places 100% of job-ready students into competitive employment (11 of 11 in 2021-2022).

The business model is hybrid philanthropy and modest earned revenue. Funding comes from individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Ferrara, Rush, Aetna, 84.51), foundation grants (NEXT for AUTISM, Meridian Health, Windy City Lions Club), government contracts (City of Chicago One Summer Chicago program), in-kind contributions, and program-related income including farm stand sales, CSA boxes, wholesale produce to restaurants (including celery root exclusively for Apologue Liqueurs), nominal participant fees ($15 meetups, $100 Washdog packages), and the annual Carrots & Cocktails fundraiser. Distribution is purely regional — Chicago metropolitan area — with delivery through community-based sites, school partnerships, employer relationships (80+ employers for job placement including Trader Joe's, Jewel Osco, DD's Discounts), and volunteer channels. The organization earned a 2025 GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency and operates with 1-10 employees under a Board of Directors governance structure, with leadership transitioned to Maura McCarthy as Executive Director in January 2023.

Name

Urban Autism Solutions

Legal name

Urban Autism Solutions

Website

https://urbanautismsolutions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Urban Autism Solutions is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 2012, that delivers vocational, residential, and social programs at urban farm and community sites to help young adults with autism transition to employment and independence.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Transition and Vocational Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Educational Services (611), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Transition Planning & Postsecondary Readiness (Educational) (EDAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism Executive Functioning & Academic Skills Intervention (EDAKAKAI)

Keywords

• Autism transition services
• Vocational training programs
• Supported employment services
• Urban agricultural education
• Independent living skills

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Philanthropy: Individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and charitable contributions from foundations. The Carrots & Cocktails annual fundraiser more than doubled proceeds from the previous year.
2. Government and Public Funding: Funding from City of Chicago (One Summer Chicago program pays students), public grants, and community partnerships.
3. Farm Stand and CSA Sales: Growing Solutions Farm sells produce through twice-weekly farm stands, an eight-box CSA program, and wholesale to local restaurants. All proceeds directly benefit vocational training programs.
4. Service Fees and Donations: Fees for programs such as monthly meetups ($15 per person), dog walking services (Washdog program), and designated donations to specific programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Urban Autism Solutions delivers integrated community-based programs that build independence, job-readiness, and social connection for young adults ages 16-22+ with autism and related disabilities. Core offerings include the West Side Transition Academy (social-emotional and vocational training), Life Lab (independent living skills in a townhome), Growing Solutions Farm (urban agricultural job training), and Social Networking events. Supplementary workforce programs (Clean Sweep, Washdog, Taylor Sweep) and seasonal programs (Summer Boot Camp, One Summer Chicago, Summer Ambassadors) provide paid employment and vocational experience. Programs are delivered at community-based sites including a 1.2-acre urban farm, a furnished three-bedroom townhome, and partner schools.

Product overview

Urban Autism Solutions offers an integrated suite of programs designed to help young adults with autism build independence, job-readiness, and community connection. The portfolio centers on four core services: the West Side Transition Academy providing vocational and social-emotional training; Life Lab offering real-world independent living skills in a townhome setting; Growing Solutions Farm providing hands-on agricultural job training; and Social Networking events fostering peer relationships. Supporting programs include Clean Sweep (workforce initiative), Washdog (vocational pet care service), seasonal Summer Boot Camp and One Summer Chicago employment programs, Summer Ambassadors for younger participants, Urban Hike With Mike for transit and community navigation, Monthly Meetups for social connection, and Taylor Sweep for neighborhood beautification internships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Growing Solutions Farm: A 1.2-acre urban farm in the Illinois Medical District providing hands-on agricultural job training for young adults with autism. Sells produce through CSA, farm stands, and wholesale. Nearly 7,000 square feet of growing space.
• West Side Transition Academy (WSTA)
• Life Lab
• Clean Sweep

Products and services

• UAS West Side Transition Academy A transition program serving young adults with autism ages 16-22 from Chicago Public Schools on the West Side, providing social-emotional learning, communication skills, vocational training at Growing Solutions Farm, internships with community partners, and employment readiness support including resume building and interview preparation.
• UAS Life Lab A real-world learning environment in a fully furnished three-bedroom townhome in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood where students practice daily living activities such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, personal hygiene, and community navigation to build independence.
• Growing Solutions Farm A 1.2-acre urban farm in the Illinois Medical District providing hands-on agricultural job training for Chicago public high school transition students ages 16-22 with autism. Students learn harvesting, soil preparation, raised-bed building, food safety, and compost maintenance while developing transferable job skills.
• Social Networking Social events and activities for young adults ages 18 and older with autism and related challenges, including Monthly Meetups at Pompei Restaurant, Game Day, Highlights & Hobbies, Holiday Parties, Trivia, and Urban Hike With Mike.
• Clean Sweep A workforce initiative providing meaningful employment for young adults with autism through street and public space cleaning services while improving community quality of life.
• Washdog A dog walking and washing service providing paid employment opportunities for young adults with autism while offering affordable pet care services to dog owners in Chicago's West Side and University Village/Little Italy areas.
• Monthly Meetups Monthly social gatherings for young adults with autism requiring minimal supports, held at Pompei Restaurant in Little Italy, featuring food, games, and social interaction at $15 per person.
• One Summer Chicago Program A summer employment program for youth ages 14-24 sponsored by the City of Chicago, providing 20 hours per week of farm work over six weeks at Growing Solutions Farm with $14/hour pay.
• Summer Ambassadors A summer program for children ages 10-13 with autism and related challenges, organized by Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council with Meridian Health of Illinois sponsorship, featuring urban agriculture activities at Growing Solutions Farm.
• Taylor Sweep An internship program for young adults with autism from West Side Chicago public school transition programs, involving neighborhood trash pickup and beautification while building transferable job skills.
• Urban Hike With Mike A weekly field trip bringing young adults with autism to different Chicago neighborhoods via public transportation, involving 2-3 miles of walking and dining at local restaurants to build independence and community engagement.
• Summer Boot Camp A three-week summer program for individuals with autism ages 16-20 combining farm work, public transit navigation, non-verbal communication strategies, career exploration, budgeting and shopping skills.
• Farm Stand and CSA Produce Sales Twice-weekly farm stands at Growing Solutions Farm (Wednesdays 10am-2pm, Fridays 2pm-6pm), an eight-box Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and wholesale produce sales to local restaurants, with all proceeds directly benefiting vocational training programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11 of 11 job-ready students placed in competitive employment (2021-2022 school year)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ferrara Candy CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Leading harvest sponsor of Carrots & Cocktails event. 21 Ferrara employees volunteered to build a native perennial pollinator garden at Growing Solutions Farm. Supports UAS through both direct engagement and financial investment.
• Rush University/RushcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Bloom sponsor for Carrots & Cocktails event. Generous partnership supporting UAS programs.
• Illinois Medical District (IMD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Seed sponsor and partner in farm hosting. Executive Director Allyson Hansen connected Tim Hayes and Mike Underdown to support farm expansion with utilities infrastructure.
• Covid-19 MonumentminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Seed sponsor for Carrots & Cocktails event.
• AetnaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Seed sponsor for Carrots & Cocktails event supporting UAS programs.
• Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon (HSVG)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Seed sponsor for Carrots & Cocktails event.
• Ma O'Brien'scoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Owned by UAS Board Member Aine O'Brien. Provided food, beverages, and event support for Carrots & Cocktails. Critical to event success.
• Marillac St. Vincent Family ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Volunteer internship partnership at food pantry set up as grocery store. Students gain hands-on job training while serving the community. Partner with Bob Joynt providing extensive weekly training.
• Guest HousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Non-profit providing temporary accommodation to medical patients, families, and veterans. UAS students volunteer twice monthly preparing desserts for weekly dinners through Jan Kroeschell's volunteer program.
• Our Lady of the Holy FamilyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Community parish providing safe space for volunteer internships practicing functional home skills and job skills for students not eligible for competitive employment.
• 84.51minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Corporate volunteers helped prepare and serve food at Carrots & Cocktails event. Team exposed to UAS mission through volunteer experiences.
• Plum Valley LandscapingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Generously contributed landscaping services to restore farm property after utilities trenching project.
• Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs / Illinois ABLEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Special visit during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Shared commitment to independence and opportunity for people with disabilities.
• One Summer Chicago (City of Chicago)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023City of Chicago employment program hosting UAS students at Growing Solutions Farm for paid summer work. 20 hours/week for 6 weeks at $14/hour. Students from West Side CPS schools.
• Back of the Yards Neighborhood CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Organizes Summer Ambassador Program for participants ages 10-13 with autism, hosted at Growing Solutions Farm.
• Mike Underdown (Crosstown Fiber)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Led utilities infrastructure project at Growing Solutions Farm, trenching 240 feet for gas and electric to enable year-round heated hoop house operations.
• Tim Hayes (Jules Madison)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Led utilities infrastructure project at Growing Solutions Farm, enabling transition from 2.5-season to 3.5-season farm operations.
• Jim Raymond (Integrated Electric)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Handled electrical work for the utilities infrastructure project enabling heated hoop house.
• Apologue LiqueurscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Grows celery root exclusively for Apologue's Celery Root Liqueur. Apologue team volunteers regularly at the farm. Unique local sourcing partnership connecting urban farming to craft spirits.
• LyftcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Provides free Lyft rides to and from work for UAS students who get jobs through the program. Addresses transportation barriers that would otherwise prevent employment for young adults with autism.
• Windy City Lions ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Helped establish Sensory Garden at Growing Solutions Farm in 2021. Volunteers return annually to maintain and enhance the garden with more than 150 plants installed.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• AHRC New York City: Large New York-based nonprofit providing day, vocational, residential, and employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; comparable program mix but operates in a different geography.
• Marillac St. Vincent Family Services: Chicago-based social services nonprofit providing food, family, and youth support on the West Side; comparable geography and partnership role with UAS for food-pantry internships.

Others

• Autism Speaks: Large autism-focused nonprofit that funds transition and employment programs and advocates for autism services; comparable mission area but functions primarily as funder/advocate rather than direct service provider.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: Large national nonprofit network providing disability services including vocational training, employment support, and community-based programs for people with autism and other disabilities; comparable in mission scope but broader in geographic and population reach.
• The Arc: National nonprofit providing advocacy, vocational, residential, and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism; comparable mission and population served.
• Goodwill Industries International: Major nonprofit operator of vocational training and supported employment programs, including for people with disabilities; comparable on the workforce-development mission and social-enterprise revenue model.
• UCP (United Cerebral Palsy): National nonprofit providing education, vocational, and residential services for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities including autism; comparable lifecycle-of-services approach for transition-age youth.

Emerging players

• NEXT for Autism: Nonprofit focused on creating innovative programs and funding for people with autism across the lifespan, including transition and employment initiatives; comparable focus on autism-specific transition outcomes.

Direct peers

• Ability Beyond: Nonprofit providing vocational, residential, and community-based services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities; comparable integrated vocational and life-skills model.
• Melwood: Nonprofit social enterprise providing vocational training, employment placement, and community living services specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; closely comparable integrated employment and day-services model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/UrbanAutismSolutions
• Facebookfacebook.com/UrbanAutismSolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/urban-autism-solutions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Urban Autism Solutions