The Autism Society of North Carolina Support Groups (formerly Chapters) promote and extend the mission, vision, and values of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). They are the “front porch” of our organization in communities across the state.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
For up-to-date information on all Support Group activities and events, visit our calendar.
Use this link to add yourself to the Support Groups Contact List so you don’t miss any Support Group news!

Special Announcement
Some announcements are just not easy and there are no adequate words. Words fail but Martha Kellogg aka “Marty” aka “The Glue” has never failed. So, it makes sense for us to share the news of her retirement with a statement she typed. “I’ve truly been blessed these last 18+ years to work with the best team of colleagues on earth, and through it all ASNC has lifted my family up time and time again. I will greatly miss the work but have every intention to support and stay close to my ASNC family. Forever grateful, Marty Kellogg”
Marty has an endearing way of handling business that is rare, and we are admittedly both glad and sad for her next chapter. Pun intended! Please take time to extend congratulations, love and encouragement to our Marty in the days ahead. Enjoy your next chapter, Marty!
Supports Group News
Every quarter we want to shine a light on volunteer Leaders and Hosts making a difference in their hometowns.
From the Asheville area
Haywood Support Group hosted a Shop & Dine fundraiser in April for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month! They had four restaurants sign up and scheduled them on separate days throughout the month. They advertised the restaurants to their groups and encouraged folks to give them business. It was a win-win! Haywood Support Group is currently seeking a leader and/or Meet-Up Hosts to continue planning activities. Many thanks to Tenisea Higgins and Nora Doggett for their many years of dedication and time planning Support Group events for their county!
Jackson Swain Qualla Boundary Support Group hosted their second annual Cherokee Autism Celebration for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. They started the month placing green flags throughout the town of Cherokee to raise awareness and ended the month pulling off a resource fair that served 700 individuals. Thank you to Candy Ross, Amanda Bradley, and Jody Miller, Leaders/Hosts of the Support Group, as well as Asheville ASNC office staff, and the local HeadStart and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council for partnering to pull off such a large-scale resource event for their community!
From the Catawba Valley and the Charlotte Areas
Cabarrus and Davidson Support Groups in collaboration with the ASNC Autistic Adults Advisory Board planned and hosted two gatherings for autistic adults the weekend of June 7-8. The Saturday event was “Game Day” at IGNITE Davidson. The Sunday event included a laid-back morning with community, food, and live jazz for a jazz brunch at Southern Strain Brewing in Concord. Watch for more about gatherings planned by autistic adults!
From the Fayetteville area
Cumberland Support Group participated in the Cape Beard Follicles of Freedom Pig Pickin’ for Autism on May 17. Proceeds benefited the Cumberland County Support Group and sent one lucky camper to Camp Royall. What a way to combine autism awareness, community outreach, and support for individuals!
From the Greensboro area
Alamance Support Group participated in some special events and organized some outreach activities with Alamance Community College (ACC) during April’s Autism and Awareness Acceptance Month! The Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) coffee cart group at ACC dedicated two days in April to donate proceeds to Alamance Support Group. Additionally, Alamance Support Group was invited to table at the ACC Spring Fling Fair where they raised autism awareness, educated people about autism, and shared information about volunteer and employment opportunities with ASNC. Thank you, Alamance Community College!
Guilford Support Group continues to offer monthly Coffee Chat Support Meetings. There is a new Autistic Adult Meet-Up being organized by Meet-Up Host Danilla “Dani” White. On June 28, Dani and other adults will head to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you’re interested, tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online or at the gate. Please check out the ASNC events calendar for more details. If you would like to be added to the group’s email list and get announcements and reminders, email guilfordsupportgroup@autismsociety-nc.org and stay tuned to the ASNC Guilford Support Group on Facebook.
Randolph Support Group is increasing its visibility through persistent outreach and consistent meetings. Offering Support Groups in rural areas is vital to connecting residents to one another and to resources. Each month from December until May, the group met at Brewskie’s in Asheboro in the private dining area where kids were comfortable and families could relax while socializing. Our next meetings in June are in partnership with other Support Groups in the Greensboro/Triad area as we head to the NC Zoo (see above) and enjoy Bowling with Dads at the Family Sports Center. The more the merrier! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please contact us.
From the Greenville area
Pamlico County Support Group recently connected with many local families at the Pamlico Fun Day hosted by the Pamlico Partnership for Children. They had a booth with kids’ cornhole games and a quiet area. Support Group Leader Ashley Sieber and her family spent the day chatting with other parents and extending the invitation to join them at their monthly meetings.
Craven County Support Group recently helped support two important local events – New Bern’s Annual Autism Awareness Softball Game in April and Special Needs Baseball Awards Ceremony in May. Support Group Leader Rebecca Scott and volunteer Stephanie Poindexter were there cheering on the athletes and supplying food and drinks at both events.
Carteret County Support Group met for the first time in a while and enjoyed a pizza dinner together. Several families came to share an evening of food and friendship. They hope to do it again very soon.
From the Northeastern area
Outer Banks Support Group had a busy April with two events. First, the group got together at a local restaurant for Karaoke and appetizers. They had a great turnout and lots of fun. A few weeks later, the group was invited to a local farm, Mane & Taill to visit with and learn about farm animals. After enjoying time on the farm, the group ended their day together with pizza. A big “thank you” goes to our Leaders, Julie Cabana and Brooke Bowser-Naser, for planning these two exciting events.
From the Raleigh area
Wake Support Group Leader Jessica Floyd offered a sensory-friendly egg hunt at a local farm, serving 180 individuals! Due to a last-minute volunteer shortage, some other leaders and family came from nearby groups to help. Thank you to Kiyanna Brown, Franklin Co-Leader for assisting! In addition, the Wake Support Group Parents of Teens held monthly meetings, while the Wake Autistic Adult Meet-Up met to bowl. The adults participating in the Bowling Meet-Up have started to connect as well outside the group. This is such a beautiful example of how connecting with Support Groups can lead to lasting friendships and a sense of community!
Franklin Support Group hosted a Support Groups resource table at a Miracle League community event. Monthly bowling Meet-Ups are bringing families together. Way to go, Franklin!
Johnston Support Group hosted both a monthly Coffee Chat and an “Ausome Squad” of teens at a coffee shop. The Ausome Squad members have become really close and have decided to branch off to meet on their own. Thank you to Meet-Up Host Tovah Coats for planning such a unique way for teens to connect. This is another example of how Support Groups help families and teens get to know each other, leading them to meet and do fun things on their own!
Durham Support Group Leader Alicia Brown and Meet-Up Host Devyn Dixon have been busy connecting with the community by tabling at some local resource events. Tabling is such a great way to increase awareness about the ASNC Durham Support Group. Their email list has grown by 50 new emails simply from their presence at some local events. Thank you to Alicia and Devyn for their time supporting multiple events these past three months!
Orange/Chatham Support Group has been having some fun! They had a large turnout for a bowling Meet-Up recently and co-hosted a movie and autistic adult panel with local community partners for Autism and Awareness Acceptance Month. The group also enjoyed some time at a Wine and Design donation night, with proceeds going to their group. Their leadership team recently received the NC Governor’s Service Volunteer Award and were honored at a special reception hosted by the Governor’s Office and The Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center. Thank you to April Lehrman, Tamara Watson, Mary Berridge, Heather Moore, and Jennifer James for their commitment to this group, as well as Jessica Villagrana, who is a newer volunteer!
Person Support Group provided an array of activities for their local community with a sensory-friendly egg hunt, craft events at their monthly meetings, and their second annual Barbecue Chicken Fundraiser, which brought in $1,900 for Camp Royall and $1,900 for Support Group activities! Additionally, a memorial motorcycle ride in honor of Alyssa O’Briant was held in May, a few months after her passing. Her dear family chose to donate the proceeds to the Person County Support Group. Alyssa’s memory is living on through this outpouring of love. Her family will always be cherished members, and she is dearly missed.
From the Wilmington area
New Hanover County Support Group veteran Leader Grelynn Bradley planned several fun events in April and May, including a Meet-Up lunch gathering at a local park and a Mom’s Night Out. The group also hosted an Autism Awareness and Acceptance Family Day at a local park following the Coastal NC Run/Walk for Autism in April. It was a gorgeous day, and families enjoyed an afternoon at the park with food, drinks, and games. Support Group Leader Grelynn Bradley planned this event in collaboration with a couple other agencies. We are always thankful for community partnerships! The following week, New Hanover County Support Group had a percentage fundraiser at Nothing Bundt Cakes. Congrats to Grelynn on a great event and successful fundraiser!
Pender County Support Group hosted a “Build Your Own Bouquet” Mother’s Day event. The group purchased individual flowers, provided vases, and hosted a Meet-up to allow moms to make their own floral arrangements. Shout out to Leader Jesaya Hargrove for this unique idea!
Onslow County Support Group hosted a table at a local autism awareness walk in Jacksonville. Leaders Tantara Hardin and Christina Seamon were in attendance to share ASNC information and raise autism awareness and acceptance. Thank you both for your time at this important event!
More Support Groups Photos
Cabarrus Davidson
Support Group

Durham Support Group

Durham Support Group

Outer Banks Support Group
Person Support Group

Wake Support Group
Welcome our newest Support Group Leaders and Meet-Up Hosts
Greensboro area: Welcome Danilla “Dani” White who came on board in April as Guilford Meet-Up Host for autistic adults. The mom of two teens, a homeschool parent, a former music teacher, and now a psychiatry student, Dani is planning some fun and unique experiences for autistic adults in the Triad area.
Raleigh area: Welcome Kiyanna Howard who came on board in February as Co-Leader of the Franklin Support Group. She is the mom of a 10-year-old son on the spectrum and two older daughters who will both be attending NC A&T State University in the fall. In addition to representing the Franklin Support Group at a recent table event, she pitched in to help neighboring Wake Support Group with a sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt and farm visit. Kiyana is currently working on ideas for the group to reach younger families.
As always, if you happen to know someone who would make a great Leader, please pass that information along.
Community Partner Spotlight
North Carolina Railway Museum
The North Carolina Railway Museum (NCRM) in New Hill, NC, reached out to the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) with a vision to offer something special for Autism Awareness and Acceptance month this year. The ASNC Family Support department worked closely with NCRM to organize a sensory-friendly train ride on the New Hope Valley Railway! This event was exclusively designed for ASNC’s Raleigh-area Support Group families and clients. Tickets were sold at a discounted price, visual supports were provided to help participants prepare for the experience, and the train was kept under capacity to avoid crowding.
Autism education and training for NCRM staff was provided by Autism Resource Specialist Cindy Martin, while a sensory break area in the “Calming Caboose” was provided by ASNC Clinical Director Whitney Sukonick and her assistant Harper Sukonick. Wake Support Group Leader Jessica Floyd and Durham Support Group Leader Alicia Brown volunteered at the event along with Family Support staff who hosted an ASNC resource table.
This event could not have been possible without the creative vision of NCRM’s event planner Velinda Chapman, as well as NCRM Board member and event sponsor Jim Jatko. Thank you to everyone at NCRM for such a welcoming and fun experience for our Raleigh-area ASNC families. This partnership has been so successful, we will repeat this event again and an April 2026 date is already scheduled!
Support Group Volunteer Interest Meetings
Are you interested in starting an ASNC Support Group or volunteering as a meet-up host? Upcoming meetings are on our calendar. Sign up today.
Leader Vacancies
Join our team! We are currently seeking volunteer Leaders in the following counties:
- Henderson County
Email Meleah Lowe for more information.
- Cabarrus County
- Davidson County
- Union County
Email Virginia “Ginny” Hall for more information.
- Lee County
- Moore County
- Richmond County
Email Courtney Chavis for more information.
- Guilford County
- Randolph County
Email Meleah Lowe for more information.
- Edgecombe County
- Nash County
Email Lauren Buhrmaster for more information.
- Currituck County
- Inner Banks (Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden)
Email Lauren Buhrmaster for more information.
To learn more about helping us to start a Support Group near you or volunteering with an existing group, contact Courtney Chavis at cchavis@autismsociety-nc.org or fill out this form.
Thank you…
…to our retiring volunteer Leaders for all their hard work and dedication. You have made such a difference in your community and we thank you.
Jennifer Clapton
Tovah Coats
Nora Doggett
Tenisea Higgins
Beth Jones
Valerie & Melvin Jones
Krista Shalda
We are growing!
Be sure to read our Hispanic Support Groups newsletter and check out all the upcoming Hispanic Support Group events on the ASNC events calendar!
English Speaking Support Groups
Asheville area (formerly West)
Supports Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson/ Swain/ Qualla Boundary, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey.
Catawba Valley area (formerly Unifour)
Supports Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, McDowell.
Charlotte area
Supports Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union.
Fayetteville area (formerly South Central)
Supports Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Richmond, Robeson, Scotland.
Greensboro area (formerly Triad)
Supports Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie/Forsyth, Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin.
Greenville area (formerly Central East and Northeast)
Supports Beaufort, Bertie, Carteret, Craven, Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Lenoir/Wayne, Martin, Nash, Pamlico, Pitt, Wilson.
Northeastern area
Supports Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Washington, Tyrrell.
Raleigh area (formerly Triangle)
Supports Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, Warren.
Wilmington area (formerly Southeast)
Supports Bladen/Columbus, Brunswick, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Sampson
Contact us
Courtney Chavis, Support Groups Director (State Office)
Email: cchavis@autismsociety-nc.org
Phone: 1-800-442-2762