The Heart Behind
Caiden's Corner
Caiden's Corner was born from love, resilience, and a little boy named Caiden. After navigating our own autism journey, we felt called to create a space for families like ours — a place full of hope, support, and community.
Because No Family Should
Walk Alone
From a personal autism journey to a thriving nonprofit — here's how Caiden's Corner came to be.
A Family Finds Their Why
Navigating Caiden's autism diagnosis, Alyece and Clayton Smith experienced firsthand the isolation, overwhelm, and scarcity of family-centered support on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They decided to change that.
Spectrum Social — Where the Dream Took Shape
As a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Hancock County, Alyece led a project called Spectrum Social — a community initiative designed to support autism families in South Mississippi. After transitioning to alumni status, the vision stayed with her. That dream became the foundation of what Caiden's Corner would grow into.
Officially a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Caiden's Corner – The Ausome Families Foundation was officially incorporated. With EIN 33-2067229, the doors were open to families across South Mississippi in a bigger, more impactful way than ever before.
500+ Lives. $35K Raised. Just Getting Started.
In our very first year, we served 500+ people, delivered 15+ programs, and raised over $35,000 — earning a feature in Southern Living Magazine along the way. The mission is just beginning.
Every family deserves a community that shows up. That's why we built this.
— Alyece Smith, President & FounderMission & Vision
Two commitments. One community. Endless purpose.
To Empower Families to Thrive
To provide resources, build community connections, and create inclusive opportunities for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder — empowering them to thrive.
A Community Where No One Is Left Behind
To be a cornerstone of support, understanding, and empowerment for families with autism in South Mississippi. We believe in a world where:
- Awareness leads to action — and action leads to change
- No family is left behind because they can't afford therapy
- Every caregiver feels seen, supported, and resourced
- Schools and neighborhoods reflect compassion and inclusion
Our Core Values
Every decision we make flows from these four commitments to the families we serve.
Compassion First
We lead with empathy in every interaction — with families, partners, and community members. No judgment. No gatekeeping. Just support.
Radical Inclusion
Every family deserves to belong. We build programs, events, and spaces that actively welcome neurodivergent individuals and those who love them.
Community Over Everything
None of us can do this alone. We grow together — leaning on local partners, volunteers, and families to build something stronger than any one of us.
Action-Oriented Hope
Hope isn't passive here. We channel love into programs, resources, and events that create real, measurable change for families across South Mississippi.
Why We Exist
Families navigating autism often feel overwhelmed or isolated. We're here to change that — by offering a community rooted in compassion, shared experience, and practical help.
From peer education in schools to sensory-friendly events to monthly parent workshops — everything we do is designed to make the journey a little less lonely.
See Our Programs →
Meet Caiden
Caiden is vibrant, curious, and endlessly determined. His story is still unfolding — but even at his young age, he's already changed lives.
He's taught us that progress doesn't have to be loud to be powerful, and that every family deserves the chance to thrive.
Caiden isn't just our "why" — he's our daily reminder that we are all part of something bigger. Every program we build, every family we serve, every walk we host is a tribute to the journey he started and the community that rallied around him.
"Every family deserves a community that shows up for them — no matter what."
— Alyece Smith, President & FounderCaiden's Corner Is More Than a Nonprofit.
It's a Community.
Our board and leadership team are autism parents, advocates, and community champions — all united by one mission.
Alyece Smith
Heather Necaise
Pennie Brogle
Marissa Buckley
Kaileigh Brogle
Maggie Kowalski
Clayton Smith
Caiden Smith
See What Your Support
Made Possible
Discover how donations, volunteers, and community partners changed lives for autism families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast in our first year.
Caiden's Corner 2025 Impact Report
$35K raised · 500+ people supported · 15+ programs delivered · Founded June 2025
📄 View Full Report →Built with Community
We are grateful for the organizations and businesses that make our mission possible.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — every action brings us closer to a world where no family walks alone.