TOANO — When Sandy Rico — affectionately just called Rico — married his wife, Kim, he also became a father to her son Niko, now 28 years of age.
The couple watched as Niko, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 18 months, struggled to find resources and social outlets outside of work to meet up with others. They searched for places where they could connect with other parents and where people on the spectrum could gather safely before deciding they would meet the need head-on.
Kim explained, “When you find a need that you can’t find anywhere — you just do it yourself if you can! We saw a need. Once Niko got out of school and turned 18, we started losing all his resources. He didn’t have any friends outside of the family. No one to invite to a birthday party or go out to a movie with. And, I struggled with that too.”
“Rico and I have been together five years. Me, Rico and Niko are now like the Three Stooges,” said Kim of the trio. “Rico and Niko are now very close — Rico took the time to learn about autism and special needs. His nature is to want to help. Rico is entrepreneurial — I would have never of done any of this, but, Rico saw a vision.”
Now they run the Sandy Rico Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for people on the spectrum and with disabilities — “Empowering Every Ability, Creating Inclusive Community.”
Its mission to address the lack of resources and activities available for parents and individuals with spectrum and disability challenges within the community includes those over the age of 22 who lose access to free programs and services through government entitlements and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Based out of their ranch in Toano, Rico has used his skills as a general contractor to transform an old horse barn into The Barn, a beautiful event space.
Having hosted a few small parties at The Barn, Elizabeth Payne, the Foundation’s COO and a former Special Education teacher who also has a son on the spectrum, shared how the safe space has allowed attendees to open up, “One of the things we noticed is a lot of these kids who have social challenges and don’t usually speak out in public or interact with anyone, these kids come here and they are signing karaoke before they leave.”
“Every time we have one, the crowd gets a little bigger and we meet new people. This is a place not just for the kids, it is for adults and children on the spectrum and with disability challenges,” continued Payne.
Volunteers, friends and donations have allowed the foundation to grow. However, before the space can be opened up to more events, updates and improvements to The Barn still need to be made.
And, as a nonprofit, the group relies on the assistance of others.
“The biggest issue we have is getting enough funds to complete the facility and bring it up to code.” Payne explained, “We absolutely appreciate everything that has been donated to us, we just have to meet a $35,000 goal in order to comply with code standards in order to progress.”
“We will go down trying!” interjects Kim.
The space still needs a survey, along with upgrades to the parking area, before the organization can reach its full potential.
The group has aspirations of monthly gatherings where everyone in the community is invited to gather together, learn more about one another and share their journeys.
“We are a place where people can come and be who they are and no one has to change — just be who you are,” said Payne.
The organization is hosting a free public event on Saturday, March 1 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. to celebrate their friend Bentley’s birthday. There will be a petting zoo, food, music, community and other fun activities, with the goal to make friends and mingle with other community friends. The event offers a great opportunity to see the space, learn more about the foundation and socialize.
