‘Let’s JumP in’: Richmond mom turns personal journey into autism advocacy
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- April is Autism Acceptance Month — and for one Richmond mother, it's a time not only to celebrate neurodiversity, but also to continue a mission she began nearly two decades ago.
Pam Mines, founder of the JP Jumpers Foundation, launched the nonprofit more than ten years ago after her son JP was diagnosed with autism. What started as a way to raise awareness and support for her own family has grown into a wide-reaching effort to uplift and empower the broader special needs community.
“When they come to a JP Jumpers event, they're comfortable,” Mines said. “They know there's no need to say ‘I'm sorry,’ ‘excuse me,’ ‘excuse her.’ We're right there with them.”
Mines recalled feeling heartbroken and isolated after JP’s diagnosis 18 years ago. She blamed herself, wondering if she had done something wrong during pregnancy, and she feared the stigma her son would face.
"I'm sitting there explaining myself to this total stranger because I'm embarrassed, or frustrated by his behavior," she said. "Blaming myself and then mad because who wants to deal with the behaviors and stigma he's going to grow up with."
But with time, that grief turned into acceptance and purpose. Mines founded the JP Jumpers Foundation to provide a space where individuals with special needs could feel seen and supported. The organization quickly expanded its mission, offering everything from voter registration drives to initiatives helping people experiencing homelessness.
“I wanted to do things different from the organizations I was working with,” Mines said. “Not only were we working with autism, we were registering people to vote… and then we were like, ‘let's jump in and feed the homeless.’”
Mines also helped push for legislation, including the passage of “JP’s Law” in Virginia and Washington, D.C., which allows individuals with special needs to add a code to their driver’s license to alert police during traffic stops or emergencies.
“It’s all about the people in the community who are affected by autism,” she said. “And finally, the world has said, ‘we accept you.’”
Still, Mines believes more work lies ahead.
RELATED: Trail Ride Festival for Autism coming to Science Museum of Virginia
“I’d like us to have a little more in each area,” she said. “Not just in Henrico or Richmond, but Hanover, Petersburg — everywhere in the Tri-Cities area. There’s a lot, but there’s more we want to be able to access.”
The JP Jumpers Foundation will host its Trail Ride Festival from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., on Sunday, April 26, at the Science Museum of Virginia. The event will feature food trucks, a car show, music, dancing and fun for the whole family — all in celebration of autism acceptance and inclusion.
