What started as one mother’s search for help for her son has grown into a nonprofit organization working to make life a little easier for other families facing similar challenges.
Pathways to Puzzle Pieces, a Cleveland based 501c3 nonprofit, was founded by Dr. La Kasia Best after her family’s experience navigating life with autism and developmental disabilities. Today, the organization focuses on helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families find resources, support, and a sense of community.
On Saturday, July 25, the nonprofit will host the Puzzle Pieces Connect Resource Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cleveland Civic Center, 210 Peach Ave. The free event is open to the public and will bring together healthcare providers, therapy providers, schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, community businesses, educators, and advocacy groups that serve individuals with disabilities.
Although registration is not required, organizers encourage families to register in advance. The first 100 families to attend will receive complimentary Pathways to Puzzle Pieces tote bags filled with community resources and sensory friendly items.
For Dr. Best, the organization’s work began with her son, Loyal Carsen.
At just 19 months old, Loyal was diagnosed with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, global developmental delays, and a speech impairment. He is currently nonverbal.
As she searched for therapies, educational programs, and support services, Dr. Best discovered many families struggled to find reliable information and places where children with disabilities would be welcomed, understood, and included.
As Loyal’s needs grew, Dr. Best stepped away from her career as a Doctor of Pharmacy to become his full time caregiver.
Instead of allowing those challenges to stop her, she decided to create something that could help other families facing similar experiences.
She founded Pathways to Puzzle Pieces with the goal of creating more inclusive communities while connecting families with education, advocacy, support services, and opportunities that improve quality of life. The organization continues building partnerships that strengthen the community while helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families feel supported, connected, and included.
One of the nonprofit’s long term goals is developing residential care homes that promote independence, dignity, inclusion, and a better quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The organization has also launched Sensory Escape, a mobile sensory friendly initiative that can be set up at community events. The program provides children and adults with sensory sensitivities a quiet place to relax, regulate, and take a break before returning to activities, helping make community events more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Visitors to the Puzzle Pieces Connect Resource Expo will get to see that mission in action.
Inside the Cleveland Civic Center, one side of the ballroom will feature the Resource and Education Hub, where families can connect with organizations offering healthcare resources, therapy services, educational programs, advocacy, recreational opportunities, and other disability related support. The other side will be transformed into the Sensory Escape Play Zone, where children can enjoy sensory friendly activities in a calm environment.
Outside, guests will find community businesses, food vendors, and additional sensory play areas. Organizers hope the event gives families a chance to ask questions, discover available services, and make connections with organizations that understand their needs.
Pathways to Puzzle Pieces is also inviting healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to participate as vendors. Vendor spaces are free, and donations are welcome to help expand the Sensory Escape initiative, purchase additional sensory equipment, and continue the nonprofit’s mission. Volunteers are also being sought to help during the event.
For Dr. Best, the nonprofit is about more than providing services. It is about helping families know they are not alone.
“I didn’t just want to find a path for my son. I wanted to help create pathways for every family searching for hope, resources, and belonging,” Best said. “Through Pathways to Puzzle Pieces, we’re building a community where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are seen, supported, included, and empowered to thrive. Because every piece truly matters.”
The Puzzle Pieces Connect Resource Expo is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend, connect with local organizations, discover available resources, and enjoy a day focused on inclusion, education, and community.