The ATA Lopez Foundation
Supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Through advocacy, education, resources, and inclusive initiatives, we ensure families feel heard, supported, and connected.
Our Mission
Empowering Special Needs Families
The ATA Lopez Foundation exists to ensure that no family of an individual with a disability feels alone. We provide families with advocacy, caregiver support and education, resource navigation, inclusive community experiences, and our Safe Return initiative for individuals at risk of wandering.
We empower families with the knowledge, support, and tools they need to access resources, navigate complex systems, and advocate for the services their loved ones deserve—while creating a community where individuals with disabilities and their families feel seen, included, and supported.
Get Involved →Advocacy & Education
Empowering families with the knowledge to navigate complex systems and advocate for their loved ones.
Resource Navigation
Connecting families to the services, programs, and support networks they need.
Safe Return Program
For individuals at risk of wandering — keeping families safer and more prepared.
Caregiver Support
Providing caregivers with community, education, and the tools to thrive.
850+
Community Members Reached
50+
Community Events Held
20+
Community Partners
100%
Free to Families
Become a Sponsor
Invest in Inclusion
Your sponsorship directly funds free programs, resources, and community events for families raising children with disabilities. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Friend
$100
per year
- Name listed on our website
- Recognition at community events
- Tax-deductible contribution
- Social media shoutout
Advocate
$500
per year
- Everything in Friend
- Logo on our website
- Logo displayed at events
- Featured in newsletter
- Certificate of appreciation
Champion
$1,000+
per year
- Everything in Advocate
- Premium logo placement on site
- Prominent signage at all events
- Dedicated social media feature
- Named in press releases
- Personal thank-you from founder
Ready to make an impact? View all sponsorship options, benefits, and get in touch.
The ATA Lopez Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 99-1919266 · All sponsorships are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Awards & Recognition
Partners & Affiliates
What Families Are Saying
Taylor Thompson
January 23, 2026
ATA Lopez Foundation has truly made an impact on my family and are extremely grateful for the guidance and support provided. Thank you
Jan Lavespere
November 11, 2025
The ATA Lopez Foundation is absolutely wonderful. They provide inclusive events, inclusive playdates, parental reprieve events, and educational services for those in need. Paije Lopez navigates IEP, waiver services, and other helpful resources for families as needed. She is dedicated to the quality of life being the absolute best for everyone around her. All of this, plus being a parent to 3 beautiful special needs boys. I'm very grateful for having met Paije through The ATA Lopez Foundation. Her unconditional love, compassion, and concern for the well-being of others is inspiring. We need more non-profit organizations like The ATA Lopez Foundation!
Pazia London
October 2, 2025
The ATA Lopez Foundation is truly a lifeline for families navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs. Paije truly has deep understanding of the difficulties navigating and filling the gaps so many families face, whether it's caregiver support, IEP advocacy, Medicaid guidance, or simply knowing you aren't alone on this journey. The new Safe Return Program gives families peace of mind in emergencies, and their commitment to building inclusive communities through playdates, meet-ups, and advocacy shows how much they believe every child and family deserves not only to feel like they belong, but to thrive when our community is otherwise judgmental. I am beyond grateful for the ATA Lopez Foundation and the positive impact they're making in our community and bravely sharing their journey in what it looks like to raise children with complex and special needs. They are a true blessing to our community.
Jezz Kimble
March 17, 2025
Amazing Foundatioon!
H Joseph
March 5, 2025
As a special needs mom, finding a truly supportive, nonjudgmental, and understanding community is almost nonexistent in this area, but ATA Lopez Foundation is one of the few that provides exactly that. Their inclusiveness, nonjudgmental atmosphere, and genuine connections in the Southeastern Louisiana area are unmatched. Through their support, I have found not only resources and guidance but also a safe space where I can share my journey without fear of judgment. They have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of the school system, offering invaluable assistance with IEP meetings and advocating alongside me when facing obstacles with the district. Knowing I have this foundation by my side has given me confidence and strength in situations that once felt overwhelming. One of the most amazing things about ATA Lopez Foundation is their frequent, low-cost inclusive playdates, where children of all abilities can come together in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Compared to other organizations, ATA Lopez Foundation has been the absolute best fit for our family. These playdates have been a game-changer, giving my child the opportunity to make friends, feel included, and simply have fun—something that can be so hard to find elsewhere. Without ATA Lopez Foundation, I would feel lost in this journey of special needs parenting. If you are a caregiver or parent looking for real support—whether it's emotional, educational, advocacy-related, or just a place for your child to feel truly included—this is one of the few places where you will find it. I can't recommend them enough!
Philondria Credit
March 4, 2025
I am so grateful for this organization. It came at a time where I needed it the most I remember, searching all over for someone or an organization that will give parents an opportunity to have a chance to meet up. ATA Lopez foundation has given me and my family this opportunity. I love that a lot of of the events are local, and she empowers parents to be advocates for their children, and be familiar with the laws and rights that their children have. The play dates have been exceptional as well as they've given Nehemiah an opportunity to play with neurodivergent and Neurotypical children and build his social skills.
Families Recommend Us
Real words from the families we serve in our community.
Super helpful and knowledgeable! I reached out for advice about getting my son therapy services in-school in a tough school district, and she helped me locate the correct channels to go through, and the right people to get in touch with. Our services were approved today! Thank you so much for all you do for the community!
Cat Cartwright
September 2, 2026
ATA Lopez Foundation is AMAZING!! We searched and begged for help for my grandchildren for many years and she stepped up!!! 100% recommend!!
Anne-Marie Sheets Boone
February 21, 2026
I'm so thankful for Paije and the ATA Lopez Foundation. She is always willing to help anyone however she can, despite being a special needs mother herself.
Amber Lee
November 9, 2025
You are providing such a wonderful support for families, and I want to spread the word about the amazing work ATA Lopez Foundation is doing in our communities! Your dedication and kindness is top tier! The knowledge and the way you broke down steps to follow, I'm grateful for all you do. Keep shining! Run don't walk to this foundation — you will be in the hands of someone that truly cares.
Raven Williams
February 24, 2025
Finding a local support group has been really nice. Highly recommend!
Carly E Hart Wall
August 14, 2024
Stay Connected
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Every Dollar You Give Changes a Family's Life
The ATA Lopez Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-1919266) — your donation is fully tax-deductible. Every gift, large or small, funds free services, inclusive events, and life-changing advocacy for families of individuals with disabilities across Louisiana. When you give, you're not just donating — you're becoming part of a community that refuses to let any family face this journey alone.
501(c)(3) Nonprofit · EIN 99-1919266 · All donations are tax-deductible
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