Els for Autism was established in 2009 by Former World No.1, World Golf Hall of Famer, and four-time Major Champion, Ernie Els, his wife, Liezl, and Publisher and Founder of M. Shanken Communications Marvin R. Shanken. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by autism, which affects 1 in 36 children in the United States*. The Els’ daughter, Samantha (Sam), also plays an active role in the organization as the co-founder of our sibling support group, Sam’s Sibs Stick Together.
Els for Autism offers innovative, evidence-based programs for families and individuals across the lifespan in three primary impact areas: Early Intervention & Educational Services, Recreation Services, and Adult Services.
We serve families around the world, offering virtual services and in-person programs and services at The Els Center of Excellence campus in Jupiter, Florida.
*Based on data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023
About The Els Center of Excellence
Located in Jupiter, Florida, The Els Center of Excellence is a world-class, 26-acre campus that is home to two separate nonprofit organizations: Els for Autism and The Learning Academy, a tuition-free, nonprofit Palm Beach County public charter school serving students with ASD ages 3 to 21.
The two non-profits co-exist on campus, sharing facilities such as a 300-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, spaces for therapy sessions, a sensory arts garden, a golf course practice facility, two playgrounds, and an outdoor basketball/tennis court. Having these essential components on one campus is not only a game-changer for the local autism community but also establishes the campus as the perfect hub for a variety of global outreach activities.
Our Global Reach
Els for Autism is a global organization that has provided services to autistic individuals, families, and professionals in 32 countries around the globe. In addition to our U.S. location, we have organizations in Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Memberships
Els for Autism earned the 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar through Candid, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. This is the highest rating level of transparency available.
A Platinum Transparency Seal indicates that a nonprofit has provided key organizational, leadership, and financial information in its profile. By sharing current information, we enable potential donors and funders to make informed decisions about our work in transforming lives each day.
Els for Autism is a US public charity (EIN #26-3520396), recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as exempt from Federal tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Donors should consult their tax adviser to determine whether they are eligible to claim a deduction associated with their donation to this organization.
