Connect
We are a bridge that connects good people from all walks of life with good people from around the world through our trips and programs.
Converse
Our goal is to introduce people and spark conversation. At the end of the day, we're all very similar and care about those around us.
Change
Once people have connected and begun talking, anything is possible. Change happens when people become invested in the lives of others.
Our History
Our charitable work started with HGT Travel Foundation, which was a natural extension to HGT Travels and the places we traveled. Having developed some very close relationships, we started seeing the overwhelming need and the focus required to achieve our goals and to make a lasting impact. That focus began our support of children with special needs and their families. In working with the centers, schools, and hospitals that supported these children and their families, we realized we needed to do more. The only way to do this was to continue to focus. We met several of our staff and their families in Tanzania who have children diagnosed with autism. The lack of understanding, information, and support for autism was never more evident! To be able to support these children, moving forward, HGT Travel Foundation has officially become Autism Beyond Borders!
Our Mission
As an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Autism Beyond Borders provides financial, educational, and emotional support to the special needs communities focusing on children with autism. Our goal is simple — we serve those in need in the countries we operate programs. There are no salaried positions within Autism Beyond Borders. We are all volunteers.
Why?
In many of these countries, basic healthcare and education are not always available. In addition to the more “planned” support projects, special projects always arise due to economic hardship, family changes, catastrophic events, etc. Some projects are on a broader community-based scale, while others are for a specific family or individual. Autism Beyond Borders also partners with its extensive network of business and not for profit contacts to provide both financial and administrative support. Autism Beyond Borders also has individual country-based project managers to ensure we are addressing the needs of the local communities.
Looking Ahead
As Autism Beyond Borders grows, our goal is to be able to address the ever-changing needs of the communities and people we serve. We will look to expand our fundraising, introduce new charity programs, and sell more custom handcrafted products. Just as importantly, we will look to expand our local footprint and connections to other corporate and not for profit organizations around the world. By setting up the foundation in the manner described and by partnering with other local and international organizations, Autism Beyond Borders will be able to address a wide range of financial, educational, and emotional needs of the local communities and people we serve.