Blake's Buddies & Friends supporting people with disabilities and autism in Arizona and Missouri.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit • Serving Arizona & Missouri

Support and Belonging for People with Disabilities & Autism

Blake's Buddies & Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Arizona and Missouri. We create inclusive activities, practical help for families and caregivers, and community events where individuals with disabilities and autism are welcomed exactly as they are.

Tax-Deductible Donations

Federal Tax ID (EIN): 33-4640566

Blake's Buddies & Friends, Inc. — a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization • EIN: 33-4640566 • Serving Arizona and Missouri

Blake’s Buddies & Friends, Inc. (EIN 33-4640566) is an Arizona and Missouri nonprofit supporting people with disabilities and autism. We are not affiliated with Blake’s Buddies Rescue Network (blakesbuddies.org), an Atlanta-area animal rescue.

Blake with supporters at a community event
About Us

A nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities and autism in Arizona and Missouri.

Blake's Buddies & Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting individuals with disabilities and autism through inclusive programs, family-centered care, practical support, and community connection.

We work to create welcoming opportunities for participation, strengthen encouragement for families and caregivers, and build a more informed and inclusive community around disability and autism.

500+

Lives Touched

Dozens

Special Occasions Hosted

100s

Volunteers Helping

Who we serve

Individuals with disabilities, autistic individuals, families, caregivers, and community partners who want to create more accessible and encouraging support systems.

How we serve

We support our mission through inclusive events, community outreach, family support, donor partnerships, and practical opportunities that strengthen confidence and belonging.

Where we serve

Our current service area includes Arizona and Missouri, with a focus on growing local support, visibility, and access for the individuals and families we serve.

Our Mission

Blake's Buddies & Friends supports individuals with disabilities and autism through inclusive programs, practical support, community connection, and encouragement for families and caregivers in Arizona and Missouri.

Our Programs

How We Show Up for Our Community

From everyday support to community-wide celebrations, our programs are built around dignity, participation, and belonging — for individuals with disabilities and autism, and for the families who love them.

Meaningful Opportunities

Activities and experiences that help individuals with disabilities and autism participate fully and build lasting confidence.

Family & Caregiver Support

Encouragement, practical help, and compassionate resources for the people showing up every day for their loved ones.

Community Engagement

Partnerships, events, and outreach that grow awareness, inclusion, and authentic friendships across the community.

Resources & Support

We aim to support both the individual and the family around them.

Inclusive activities

We help create opportunities for individuals to participate in events, programs, and experiences that foster confidence, joy, and social connection.

Family encouragement

We believe caregivers and family members need practical support, encouragement, and community as they navigate the realities of daily care.

Community awareness

We work with volunteers, donors, and local partners to grow a stronger culture of inclusion, understanding, and belonging.

Our Impact

Real Support, Measured in People

We are a small, community-run organization, and we keep our promises simple: show up consistently, spend carefully, and make sure families feel it.

Blake’s Buddies began as informal community support in 2018. Blake’s Buddies & Friends, Inc. was incorporated in Arizona on April 9, 2025 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) in September 2025 (EIN 33-4640566). Figures include volunteer-led activity before incorporation and are updated as totals are confirmed.

$30,000+
Raised to date

Every dollar funds programs, outings, and family support.

Dozens
Special occasions hosted

Inclusive gatherings, outings, and community celebrations.

100s
Volunteers involved

Neighbors, families, and partners who show up for our activities and events.

500+
Lives touched

Individuals, siblings, and caregivers supported through our activities.

Where Your Support Goes

We are volunteer-driven, so donations go directly into the work families see. Here is how contributions are typically used across Arizona and Missouri:

  • Programs & outingsInclusive activities, adaptive equipment, venue costs, and transportation so no family is turned away over cost.
  • Family supportRespite opportunities, caregiver gatherings, and direct assistance for day-to-day needs.
  • Community eventsFundraisers, awareness events, and volunteer coordination that grow the circle of support.
"For the first time, our son was invited somewhere he didn't have to change a thing about himself to belong."
— A parent in our community
Trust & Transparency

Who We Are, On the Record

We keep our details public so families, donors, and partners always know exactly who they are supporting.

501(c)(3) nonprofit
Registered nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
EIN: 33-4640566
Our federal tax identification number, available for donor and grant verification.
Arizona and Missouri
Our current service area, with a focus on growing local access and visibility.
A clear mission focus
Support for individuals with disabilities and autism, their families, and caregivers.
Events & Fundraising

How We Raise Support and Bring People Together

Our events do two jobs at once: they fund our programs, and they create places where individuals with disabilities and autism, their families, and their neighbors spend real time together. Dates for upcoming events are announced by email — reach out and we'll add you to the list.

Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Flagship Fundraiser

Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Next tournament: dates being finalized — contact us to be notifiedArizonaBenefits: program funding for individuals with disabilities and autism.

Our largest fundraiser of the year. A full day of golf, raffle and auction items, and a dinner reception, with proceeds funding inclusive activities and family support.

Sponsors receive on-course signage, program recognition, and thanks across our channels.

Community Fundraiser Dinners

Community Fundraiser Dinners

Recurring throughout the yearArizona and MissouriBenefits: everyday program costs and caregiver support.

Smaller gatherings hosted with local restaurants, churches, and civic groups. They raise operating funds and introduce new supporters to the families we serve.

Host venues and local businesses can underwrite a dinner or donate in-kind items.

Inclusive Community Outings

Inclusive Community Outings

Scheduled as groups and volunteers come togetherLocal venues in our service areaBenefits: participants and their families, at no cost where we can cover it.

Ballgames, camp days, holiday gatherings, and partner activities where individuals with disabilities and autism take part alongside family, friends, and volunteers.

Partners can sponsor tickets, transportation, or a full outing for a group.

Specific dates, venues, and registration details are confirmed a few months ahead. Contact us for current information and we'll send details as soon as they're set.

Get Involved

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support Blake's Buddies & Friends. Whether you donate, volunteer, or partner with us, your contribution makes a real difference.

Make a Donation

Your tax-deductible gift directly supports programs for individuals with disabilities and autism. Processed securely through Givebutter.

Donate Now

Become a Monthly Donor

Join our community of monthly supporters providing sustainable funding for our programs.

Start Monthly Giving

Volunteer With Us

Share your time and talents at events, programs, and community activities.

Corporate Partnership

Partner with us for event sponsorships, matching gifts, and community engagement.

Prefer to talk with someone first?

Reach Ken Lawler, Director, at director@blakes-buddies.com or 314-650-2234. We answer every message from families, volunteers, and partners in Arizona and Missouri.

Contact Us
FAQ

Questions People Ask Us

Stay Connected

We'd Love to Hear From You

Whether you're a family looking for support, a volunteer ready to help, or a business exploring sponsorship — reach out. A real person reads every message.

  • Ken Lawler, Director

    director@blakes-buddies.com
  • Mailing address

    3336 E Chandler Heights Road Ste 117
    Gilbert, AZ 85298

    Service area: Arizona and Missouri

    Donate securely
  • What happens next

    Messages sent through this form are saved to our inquiry inbox and reviewed by the Director, who typically replies by email within 2–3 business days.

Blake's Buddies & Friends, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN: 33-4640566. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Send us a message

Your message is sent directly to Ken Lawler, Director. We read every inquiry and typically reply by email within 2–3 business days. Nothing is shared with third parties.