Welcome to The Hessel Family Foundation, where our mission is driven by personal experience and a deep commitment to building a more inclusive world for the autism community. I’m Robert Hessel, co-founder of the foundation, and alongside my wife, Tajila, I am honored to share our vision with you.
Our foundation was born from a personal journey—our daughter Mia, who is autistic, has shown us firsthand the challenges faced by individuals like her. This journey inspired Tajila and me to create the Hessel Family Foundation, with the goal of addressing critical needs and fostering a more welcoming and supportive environment for individuals with autism.
In addition to my personal experiences, my background as a Veteran has shaped my perspective on service and dedication. Having lost my father to cancer, I also understand the importance of supporting families through the hardest times. These experiences fuel my passion for giving back and working to support individuals facing challenges—whether through autism, veterans’ issues, or health battles.
At The Hessel Family Foundation, we believe in turning empathy into action. We proudly support organizations that share our dedication to uplifting the autism community and empowering individuals to thrive. Our partnerships help bridge the gap by connecting families and individuals to essential resources, services, and support networks, all in one place—right here on our website.
In addition to our focus on autism, we are equally committed to supporting veterans and young adults with special support needs. These brave individuals and their families face unique challenges, and through our efforts, we aim to provide the resources, assistance, and opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s access to programs designed to help them adapt, heal, or thrive, our mission extends beyond autism to serve those who have served, as well as others in need of specialized support.
The fight against cancer is another cause we hold close to our hearts. By supporting those battling cancer, we work to ensure that they and their families have access to the vital support, research, and treatments necessary to navigate their journey. It is through these initiatives that we honor those facing adversity, providing hope and strength in their time of need.
As you explore, you’ll discover how we focus on creating lasting change. From supporting sensory-friendly environments to enhancing educational and therapeutic services, we are committed to making a meaningful impact that extends beyond immediate needs.
We invite you to be part of this journey with us—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can transform lives and build a future where every person, regardless of their challenges, can fully participate in and contribute to a thriving community.
Thank you for your support and commitment to this important cause. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
The Hessel Foundation is dedicated to supporting community-based organizations that support children and young adults with autism, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families. Our mission is driven by a commitment to fostering a more inclusive world for individuals facing these challenges. The organizations we support offer specialized programs for these communities, providing essential services. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a more inclusive environment by offering vital resources and support to those in need, whether they are affected by autism, military service, or the battle against cancer.
The Hessel Family Foundation was established with the belief that every individual, regardless of their challenges, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Focused on supporting the autism community, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families, our mission is to turn empathy into action.
We partner with organizations that share our commitment to creating positive change, providing essential resources and fostering inclusive environments. By connecting people to the services and support they need, we work to make a lasting impact and ensure everyone has the tools to fully participate in life.
Our mission is to connect the autism community, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families with vital resources and opportunities, empowering them to thrive in a more inclusive society.
Our mission is to create a world where individuals with autism, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families are fully supported, valued, and empowered to participate in all aspects of life, with access to the resources they need to thrive.
We champion the right to a fair and accessible education for individuals with autism, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families. We support organizations that create inclusive education environments, empowering all individuals to thrive and lead independent, fulfilling lives.
We are dedicated to helping the autism community, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families feel seen, heard, and welcomed. We strive to create a strong sense of community and belonging for individuals and their caretakers, fostering connections with others who share similar experiences. By funding the expansion of accessible spaces in the Tampa Bay area, we work to build a more inclusive future for all.
We are committed to connecting individuals with autism, veterans, cancer fighters, and their families to the resources they need to navigate life’s challenges. From scholarships and grants to crisis centers, our goal is to simplify the search for support and hope, ensuring no one has to face these challenges alone.
