Nestled in the heart of Houston, Avondale House is a beacon of hope for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Avondale House has been transforming lives for over three decades with its unwavering commitment to providing specialized education, support services and life skills training. To continue their vital mission and offer critical resources to those in need, they heavily rely on the support of corporate donations.

Established in 1976, Avondale House began as a small school for just a handful of children with autism. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution that caters to the unique needs of individuals with ASD, from early childhood to adulthood, offering them a nurturing environment where they can thrive academically, emotionally and socially.

The organization's comprehensive approach focuses on providing individualized education, behavioral therapy, vocational training and living programs. Through personalized care plans, students who once faced significant barriers now embark on a journey of growth. Additionally, the organization provides housing so its members can live with the support of the organization and gain the skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives.

While the dedication of Avondale House's staff and the unwavering support of families have been the cornerstones of its success, the importance of corporate donations cannot be overstated. These contributions serve as the organization's lifeblood, fueling its ability to extend its services to more families and enhance the quality of care provided.

"This generous gift will enrich the lives of so many who call Avondale home. Contributions of this nature hold immense importance to the organization and help to propel the mission forward."

Tim Williamson

Tim Williamson, EVP of commercial real estate at Cadence, knows firsthand the remarkable influence of Avondale House. His son, Paul, was wholeheartedly embraced and accepted by the organization for who he is–a beloved son and most importantly, a unique individual. From the moment they walked through the doors of Avondale House, the Williamson family felt the profound impact of the organization.

As a dedicated member of the board of directors and steadfast advocate for Avondale House, Tim recently served as event chair for the organization's annual fundraising event. Through this event, he introduced Dan Rollins, chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank, to the meaningful work they do. Deeply moved by Tim and Paul's touching story, Dan encouraged Avondale House to approach the Cadence Bank Foundation for support as it would be a great fit for the foundation's mission. After reviewing the application and determining the organization fulfills all the criteria, the foundation committed to donating $50,000 to Avondale House.

The generous donation from the Cadence Bank Foundation was put to good use in purchasing a van, enabling the transportation of residents to conduct various activities, such as doctor appointments, community events and grocery shopping. With the addition of the new transportation system, students can now conveniently access pick-up and drop-off services for their classes, while residents have the opportunity to participate in various community events. This advancement plays a pivotal role in facilitating a more fulfilling and enriched life for all those involved.

“This generous gift will enrich the lives of so many who call Avondale home. Contributions of this nature hold immense importance to the organization and help to propel the mission forward,” explained Tim. “It fills me with great pride to be part of a company–like Cadence– that fully embraces supporting its communities in such impactful and meaningful ways.”

Cadence prioritizes supporting organizations where teammates volunteer their time and effort, demonstrating a genuine investment in its people. The commitment to supporting causes near and dear to teammates’ hearts creates a strong sense of community and fosters a great place to work.

Such donations, like the one from the Cadence Bank Foundation to Avondale House, exemplify how Cadence serves its team members and the community. Through contributions like this, Cadence actively participates in fostering positive change, contributing to the betterment of society and forging meaningful connections with important causes.

To learn more about Cadence Bank and its focus on giving back to communities, visit our Stories page.

This article is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content in the article. The article is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.