Autism Awareness Month: 'Limitless Abilities' opens new Fresno location to support families

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- During Autism Awareness Month, nonprofit organization "Limitless Abilities" is opening a new Fresno location dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs across the Central Valley.

The expansion marks a milestone for the organization, which began as a small ministry designed to help children with disabilities connect with peers.

"We adopted our daughter 10 years ago from China, who has Down syndrome," said Tina Salvador, CEO of Limitless Abilities.

Salvador said her family initially created programs at their local church so their daughter and her friends could connect. What started as a small group ministry about a year ago quickly grew.

"To start this with 20 students, and then to see it grow to 40 and then to like, I don't know how many we have, like 60 maybe," said Bradley Salvador, the organization's creative director.

"So it's really, really grown," Tina Salvador said.

The family first launched programs in Kerman, offering sports and creative classes. Over time, the reach expanded beyond the immediate community.

"We actually have families from all over. We have families that drive from Visalia, Shaver Lake," Tina Salvador said.

The new Fresno location is designed to make the programs accessible to even more families and is set to open on June 8.

The facility will offer a wide range of classes and activities.

"Now we have music, art, photography, theater, dance, karaoke and cooking," Tina Salvador said.

The programs are designed for children as young as 5 through adulthood.

In addition to classes, the new space is intended to foster a sense of community among families.

"It's important for families with students with disabilities to come together, know that they have support from other people and they don't have to feel alone," said Michelle Jackson, an art teacher.

Jackson said the goal is to help students build confidence through creative and practical skills.

"They can do anything. That's the best part about all of this program. They can cook. They can do art. They can do music. They can dance. They can do all kinds of things," she said.

Registration for the Fresno location opens in June, with classes beginning at the start of August.

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