Founded with the mission to bridge the gaps in services, eliminate hearing the word "No" when asking for help and support, TBP has opened it's doors to help the individuals and families get the care and support they need.
Who We Are
- We are a Pennsylvania-based non-profit
- We offer a wide range of programs and services to our members.
- We offer access to care.
- We are a volunteer-run organization formed by parents of children with disabilities, and service providers.
- We are a member-driven organization.
- We are a fiscally sound organization.
Vision
While this is not an exhaustive list, we accept applications for things like:
- needing a support staff in order to be accepted for mental health inpatient treatment.
- needing a support staff at home after discharge from an inpatient hospital stay
- needing help with rental assistance so that you can live independently as a person with disabilities.
- needing funding for your organization to receive training on specific treatment protocols.
- needing funding for your organization staff to provide care in a transitional setting such as a hospital, group home, or across another provider agency so that you can provide your client with the best possible transitional outcome and care.
History
The Big Puddle (TBP) was founded in 2023 by Maria Duerson, a parent of a child with autism. Maria is the owner of Umbrella Functional Consulting & Support Team, an adult disability service provider. Her goal was to establish a charity focused on improving services for all individuals. Umbrella, a philanthropic organization, decided that the community needs a place to get support where there isn't any. Our board was selected from members of the adult disability services community of providers, who were parents of a child with disabilities, service providers for disability services, or both. Moving forward we plan to build relationships with hospitals, MH facilities, housing groups, and service providers to integrate compliant organizations and foundations for the good of all people.
A Message From The Founder
The Big Puddle, a non-profit organization, is committed to improving the lives of individuals facing unique challenges in the United States. Despite my contributions to various organizations dedicated to assisting individuals with autism and their families, I haven't personally felt the positive impact. Despite sponsoring, donating, and volunteering at numerous significant events, asking for help myself as a parent to a child with autism, I still don't feel adequately supported. This is why I have assembled a group of individuals who have personally experienced the inner workings of systems across industries, people who have children with disabilities, or people with disabilities themselves, and owners of service organizations, with the goal of driving change.
With a focus on providing resources and support to those living with disabilities, homelessness, medical fragility, and mental health challenges in the United States. my dedication to serving a variety of vulnerable populations sets The Big Puddle apart, recognizing that each person faces unique challenges and striving to meet those needs with resources that go to the person and to the agency that serves them.
TBP, known for its commitment to delivering essential resources and financial aid, remains dedicated to supporting those who stand to gain directly. The urgency for assistance is critical, and witnessing tangible outcomes resulting from seeking help is our top concern. In today's world, the challenges faced by individuals and families are evident to nearly everyone. To persistently meet these needs, we rely on your support. Please consider contributing through donations, volunteering your professional expertise, organizing events, or sharing your unique talents to enhance real-world opportunities.
Every act can make a difference. Support is what you choose to make it.
Maria Duerson, Founder and board member of The Big Puddle and Umbrella Functional Consulting & Support Team, and our Board of Directors Christen Hartz, Brian Porcelli, Mary Artigas
Board of Directors
Maria Duerson, Founder of The Big Puddle, is the acting President and Treasurer on the board of directors. Maria is a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician, and mother of two. Her youngest son Noah has autism and is nonverbal. Based in Bucks County, Maria is the founder of The Bucks County Parent Group for Autism Support, and Umbrella Functional Consulting & Support Team- an adult disability services agency. Maria has created several events and partnered with many community service organizations to raise awareness and support through philanthropic efforts such as Feed the Need, Self-Care Week, and partnerships with West Chester University's Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact, Bucks County Housing Group, and many other community events.
Christen Hartz, an aunt to a child with autism, works in adult disability services. She sees the unique challenges faced by people with unmet needs and has a desire to change "hearing the word 'No' to hearing the word 'Yes'". She has advocated for autism and disabilities for nearly ten years through supporting philanthropic efforts and providing awareness to community organizations. She also studies service delivery techology, and works with AUmbrellApp, to create life skills learning using AI Large Language Model technology.
Brian Porcelli, an MSW and Behavior Specialist works with adult disability services. Brian has studied counseling, behavioral support, music therapy, and works directly with adults with disabilities using evidence-based practices. Brian previously worked in Supports Coordination and presently provides Behavior Specialist services to adults with disabilities. He participates in many philanthropic efforts throughout the southeastern region of Pa.
Mary Artigas, a mother to a child with autism, and home health services provider, is the founder of Ausome Kids and Family Home Care, a juris doctorate, and passionate supporter of the Eagles Autism Challenge. Mary came to The Big Puddle understanding the challenges providers, parents, and individuals face when support is needed.
The Big Puddle is a remarkable organization that is making a positive impact in the lives of individuals living with disabilities, homelessness, medical fragility, and mental health challenges in the United States; a helping hand for those in need. As a charitable non-profit, their mission is to provide resources and support to those who need it the most. What sets The Big Puddle apart is their dedication to serving a variety of vulnerable populations. They understand that each person faces unique challenges, and they strive to meet those needs with compassion and care. The Big Puddle - With a mission to improve the lives of those in need, The Big Puddle offers a wide range of answers and resources to assist and empower individuals to overcome their challenges and achieve a better quality of life.
As customers, we are constantly bombarded with countless options when it comes to choosing a charitable organization to support. It can be overwhelming and difficult to determine which cause or group to invest our time and money into. However, there is one organization that stands out among the rest – The Big Puddle. The Big Puddle is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ensuring contributions go to various organizations and people dedicated to assisting individuals, their families, and their service providers personally feel the positive impact of contributions.
The Helen Project aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities never encounter the risk of homelessness upon leaving a hospital or due to their preference against group housing. It also addresses the challenge of inflated rents without a corresponding income. By expanding housing options and enhancing housing security, The Helen Project supports both people with disabilities and provider agencies.
EquiMind Project: A program that aims to create equitable access to mental health services for individuals with disabilities.
The Noah Project: Advocating for nonverbal individuals through caregivers across various settings. Offering assistance with daily living tasks in hospitals, clinics, mental health services, and other locations. The Noah project supports individuals and care providers to bridge the gap in funding and support for people to receive equitable treatment.
The Abilities Project: The best training is hands-on training. This project gives providers the ability to create training programs by developing apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities, people who are homeless, and people with mental health concerns. The Abilities Project aims to improve quality of care through the creation of committee-led improvement programs within facilities. By adding committees to plan of care trainings and employing apprentices, providers will open the doors for insightful value-added hands-on learning.