Heather Vaughan is often asked why she started her nonprofit, Powered by Love.
“The answer is simple,” the South Buffalo resident said. “It’s for my son, RJ.”
Vaughan said she dreamed of becoming a mom, but things didn’t turn out exactly the way she imagined. When her son was diagnosed with autism at age 3, she felt like her world was falling apart.
“I saw my sweet, innocent, silly, lovable little boy carrying a label that would follow him for the rest of his life,” she said.
That’s when she recalled something her grandmother used to say: “God only gives you what you can handle.”
She changed her way of thinking and started to take control of RJ’s path. Until that point, Vaughan said, her life felt like a hamster wheel of therapy and educational pamphlets.
Establishing the autism support group where people could share stories and ideas without judgement felt empowering, Vaughan said.
Powered by Love, founded in 2021, hosts community events to raise awareness and promote acceptance of autism. One of its biggest initiatives is the annual sensory-friendly Touch-a-Truck event, held at the Tour-Ed Mine just off Route 28’s Exit 14 in Fawn.
This year’s event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. June 6. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
The wooded campus will be filled with fire trucks, train cars, ambulances, race cars, big rigs, construction vehicles and buses, all available for attendees to get up close and hands-on. The flat grassy area makes it easy to monitor the children, Vaughan said.
“They can climb, explore and honk horns to their hearts’ content,” she said.
Families also can enjoy food trucks, education and craft vendors, along with horseback riding, a petting zoo, bounce house, games and music. This year, the Pirate Parrot is scheduled to join in the fun.
While the vehicles are the main draw for kids, Vaughan said the interaction with emergency personnel is more important.
For people with autism, Vaughan said, learning to interact with first responders is critical.
It’s also just as essential for first responders to understand autism and be prepared to respond effectively and safely to situations with people on the spectrum.
Josh Fox, chief of Summit Hose in Tarentum, said his department looks forward to the outing. He agreed that it’s significant to build relationships with children of all abilities.
“When people meet firefighters outside of emergencies, especially children, it gives them a chance to see us in our fire gear during a time when we have a chance to interact with them,” Fox said. “They can see there’s nothing to be afraid of.
“It’s a good way to give out safety tips and work on building trust.”
In five years, the Touch-a-Truck event has grown from a few dozen participants to last year, when the entrance line snaked out of Tour-Ed and down Ridge Road to Bull Creek Road. There were about 250 people who attended.
“It was our biggest one yet,” Vaughan said. “People started showing up before we even opened. It was amazing to see all the people and to see parents with smiles on their faces.”
Powered by Love exists to help families facing challenges similar to Vaughan’s. Events are a perfect way to socialize, she said, and share experiences.
Other events, such as holiday parties, are also hosted. Fundraising is a year-‘round effort.
Vaughan credits the members of her close-knit committee for their hard work and dedication.
“I could not have done it without the unwavering support of my best friend, Kim,” she said, referring to Kim Grech. “Her dedication to not only fundraising but to this group has made it possible for us to host so many meaningful events. Kim brings invaluable experience and perspective, as both her son, Landon, and her nephew are on the autism spectrum.”
As for RJ, now 11, he is a thriving fourth-grader at Buffalo Elementary School who keeps a busy social schedule.
He attends Zion Methodist Community Church in Buffalo Township, where he is part of the youth group and also is learning to play piano. RJ participates in his school’s chorus and also takes therapeutic horseback-riding lessons.
“He’s a fun-loving, goofy boy with the biggest heart who doesn’t let autism define him,” Vaughan said.
“We all want our kids to be accepted exactly as they are,” she said. “This group means so much to me because I’ve been there. I’ve felt alone and unsure of what to do, and I never want anyone else to feel that way.”