In 1994, Clair and George Shadie, inspired by their son who was diagnosed with autism, Co-founded SAFE, Inc (Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere).

Inspired by the Shadie‘s leadership and vision, SAFE has grown into a leading autism organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Along with the help of Senators Specter and Santorum, the Shadie and Gans families helped raise funding for groundbreaking scientific-based therapeutics. They also raised funding for effective advocacy and extensive family services, enhancing lives now and into the future for all families in Northeastern PA.

They spearheaded many programs including verbal behavior projects and 50 wraparound funding projects. Services with the following agencies were initiated: Children Service Center, Early Intervention, ABA Therapy, Pennsylvania Department of Education autism ventures, Wilkes University strategies, Luzerne and Wyoming counties MH/MR services and Early Intervention programs. Besides the above, they headed a public service campaign credited with educating countless families about the early signs of autism and identifying outlets for assistance and support in Pennsylvania.

The co-founders’ efforts earned recognition for their NEW HOPE FARMS Housing facility and for their contributions in promoting autism advocacy.

SAFE’s future looks bright as well! Collaborations with Autism Centers of Excellence and local universities, mentors, therapists, and medical centers in our local communities, continue SAFE’s long-standing tradition of partnering with the latest in autism education, treatments, and research, ensuring an ever-evolving, improved quality of lives for individuals on the spectrum and the families who love them.