Surfing For Autism launches Sandbar Social to support neurodivergent adults

By Sam Walker at Sam Walker OBX News

What began in 2010 as a single day pairing children with autism and local surfers has grown into a year-round network of support and a new initiative designed to meet a growing need among neurodivergent adults on the Outer Banks.

Local nonprofit Surfing For Autism has launched Sandbar Social, an inclusive club aimed at helping neurodivergent adults connect, grow, and thrive alongside neurotypical peers through monthly social activities and shared experiences.

“We’ve recognized that many young adults who are more independent often see their structured-supports decrease significantly after graduation,” said Surfing For Autism co-founder Eileen Lowery. “Sandbar Social is filling that gap of connection, friendship, and continued engagement.”

Surfing For Autism started with 28 participants at the inaugural event in 2010. By 2025, the organization reported 106 unique Surfing For Autism event participants and 210 total engagements, reflecting individuals attending multiple events.

Including siblings, family members and volunteers, the total number of unique individuals involved in 2025 reached 879, with 1,545 total engagements throughout the year. 

Over the years, organizers noticed a shift in participant ages.

As children who first rode waves with volunteer surfers became adults, families described what Lowery calls a “falling off a cliff effect” after high school, when school-based services and social networks disappear.

“There is no doubt in my mind that, had Zack had opportunities like those presented by Sandbar Social as he reached young adulthood, the course of his life could have changed dramatically,” said Janet Owen-Rosso, a parent of a son with autism.

Sandbar Socials are designed as monthly gatherings — bowling nights, pizza meetups, tie-dye sessions, game nights, and holiday celebrations — that encourage independence and peer relationships.

Organizers emphasize that the program is created with the participants, not simply for them.

“Our biggest thing is empowerment,” Lowery said. “How do we empower them to own this initiative and create the experiences they would like?”

Participants echo that sense of belonging.

“Sandbar Social is a great place and a group that makes everyone feel included!” one participant said.

As it is currently designed, Sandbar Social is limited to individuals who can safely engage in a group environment with a level of independence.

Local businesses have played a key role in the first six months of the Sandbar Social program, hosting events or providing space and support.

Turf’s Up OBX hosted the first Sandbar Social event. Other partners include Surfin’ Spoon, American Pie, OBX Beach Mobility, OBX Bowling, Island Dyes, and the Black Pelican Seafood Company.

“We were truly honored to welcome the Sandbar Social,” Black Pelican Seafood Company said in a statement after hosting a holiday gathering. “Seeing this incredible group come together to celebrate the season reminded us what the holidays are really about — connection, compassion and making memories with amazing people.”

The Outer Banks Community Foundation recently awarded Surfing For Autism a $10,000 grant to help expand Sandbar Socials. Even with that support, the organization reports a funding gap to fully sustain programming for the year.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Surfing For Autism relies on sponsorships, donations of space and services, merchandise sales and fundraising events, including its annual silent auction.

Colby Voight and Lisa Ammons serve as co-chairs of Sandbar Social, with Jill Hedges and Mandy Earnest as co-leaders.

Lowery said the goal is not rapid expansion, but sustainable growth that builds leadership within the group and deepens community inclusion. 

“We’re at the beginning of something,” she said. “We had no idea what Surfing For Autism would become 16 years ago. I get that same sense with Sandbar Social. We think we know what it could look like — but I don’t think we’re even prepared for what it’s going to become.”

As Surfing For Autism heads into its 17th annual surfing event this summer, the organization’s footprint now stretches far beyond a single day in the waves — and increasingly into adulthood, where connection can be just as life-changing as catching that first ride.

More information about Surfing For Autism and Sand Bar Social can be found at surfingforautism.org/sandbarsocial,www.facebook.com/surfingforautism and  www.instagram.com/surfingforautism.

The Community Foundation’s next grant application is for Focus Grants, which offer a funding opportunity of up to $50,000 for innovative, large-scale projects aimed at addressing some of the most pressing challenges on the Outer Banks. These grants prioritize projects that expand healthcare access, provide affordable housing solutions, and support child care initiatives. The application deadline is Friday, April 24, 2026.

For more information or assistance with the grant application process, visit OBCF.org/grants or contact the staff at 252-423-3003.

About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.