September 2023


Fall Meetup Edition


Autism Allies at UVA seeks to foster meaningful relationships between children, teens, and young adults with autism in the Charlottesville community during the academic year.

CRAAG’s seeks to raise awareness and enhance the quality of life for people with autism, developmental disabilities, and their families in Charlottesville, Albemarle and nearby counties.

CRAAG and Autism Allies Are Working

Together to Make Social Connections

Through "Outside the Box"


Outside the Box is a local group on the Meetup platform. It brings together a neuro-diverse group of people through community recreational and leisure activities such as dining out, movies, games, volunteering or other common interests.


Find out more about Outside the Box events by joining Meetup (it's free) and search for events in the local groups section of Meetup.

Sunday Meetups With UVA Students


Kennedy Williams, Autism Allies Social Events Coordinator, explained the new format for the Sunday Meetups: "We will be doing something a bit different this year. We will hold events only on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month and the location and time will vary from event to event."

First Sunday Meetup is in Two Days!!


On Sunday September 10th at 12:00 pm three to four students wearing UVA shirts will be waiting outside the Dairy Market at 946 Grady Avenue in Charlottesville to greet you! Cost: purchase lunch. If you're interest in attending or have questions, RSVP by tonight, Friday, to let Autism Allies know you're going to attend!!



Save These Tentative Dates For the

Upcoming Sunday Meetups This Fall


  • September 24th - Movie at Regal movie theater
  • October 8th - Video games and crafts (TBD on location)
  • October 22nd - Brunch at Firefly
  • November 12th - Movie at Regal movie theater
  • November 26th - NO SOCIAL (Happy Thanksgiving!)
  • December 10th - Morning Coffee at Kindness Cafe

Cville Bowlers League


Another ongoing activity that some CRAAG supporters participate in is the Cville Bowlers League. The team is organized and hosted by FutureWorks vocational coach and owner, Greg Burroughs. The League is recruiting new members at this time. The members bowl every other Wednesday evening from 5:30 - 7 pm at Bowlero at 335 Rivanna Plaza Drive. Cost: $12.00 for two games and shoe rental on game night and two free practice games during the week (discounted League price). There are additional costs for the the host's service. For more information or to join the League, email Greg Burroughs at FutureWorks.

About CRAAG
CRAAG began in 2010 in collaboration with CA Human Services (formerly Commonwealth Autism). CRAAG’s mission is to raise awareness and enhance the quality of life for people with autism, developmental disabilities, and their families in Charlottesville City, Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson counties. We are a volunteer action group for families, self-advocates, and professionals who are interested in all age groups and levels of need. The daily concerns of CRAAG's active volunteers inform our focus on the needs of students transitioning out of high school, adults throughout the lifespan, and their families. Our advocacy is person-centered aimed at maximizing independent living with supports; meaningful employment; social connectivity; and community engagement. CRAAG's 2021 Housing survey initiated a years-long initiative in our region to expand the number of housing options, supports and services available to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.