MICAH’S
WALK FOR AUTISM
est 2017
ABOUT US
Christe T. Ford
Founder/President
Micah’s Walk for Autism, a 501c3 Organization
Christe T Ford Mother, Nurse, Autism/Developmental/Intellectual Disorder Advocate and Advisor, Special Needs Services and Resource Consultant, IEP(Individualized Education Plan) Parent/Caregiver Team Coach.
​
​
Christe is the founder/president of the non-profit, Micah’s Walk for Autism. She was inspired to advocate for children and young adults with autism and developmental/intellectual disorder after her youngest son, Micah, presented with signs and characteristics typical of autism and expressive language disorder in which he started a myriad of treatment and therapies at the age of 18 months old.
Christe was met with many challenges and obstacles during this time as she fought and sought services, treatment and an official diagnosis so that Micah could begin an actual treatment plan as soon as possible. Eventually, Micah was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and expressive language disorder at the age of 6 years old. Since the very beginning, Christe promises herself, her son Micah, and those affected by autism and developmental disorder that her goal is to help reach each and every individual and help them improve their way of life to their maximum ability and capability.
​
​
​
Christe’s background
and experience helps her reach these goals and to continue to advocate and provide services for individuals and their families. Christe is currently a nurse of 22+ years, with experience in caring for pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as organize and host free community health fairs as a community health nurse volunteer. She currently holds a position as Donor Mom Program Coordinator for Human Breast Milk for a local nonprofit milk bank. She has served as a city and church youth basketball and softball coach as well as youth mentor for several years. In addition to being a nurse of 22 years, Christe is also a current enrolled senior at Jackson State University and will graduate in 2021 with B.S. in Public Health Administration and Healthcare Administration.
​
​
​
Micah’s Walk for Autism was founded in 2017 and has hosted events such as Autism Charity Ball, Basketball and Softball tourney, free community health fairs and A Day in the Park With Micah Baseball game. We have partnered with and have been sponsored by organizations such as Mississippi Braves Baseball Team, Mississippi Department of Mental Health, The Arc of Mississippi, Jackson Zoo, Town of Maben, Applebees, Walmart, and Golden Triangle Planning and Development , VFG church, Liberty Methodist Church as well as Ministry on Wheels church. Our mission is to continue to reach and assist each and every individual, family member and caregiver to provide the best care and improve the quality of life for all individuals to live their best life.
​
​
Acacia McBride
Co-Founder
Acacia is the daughter of Christe and sister of Micah McBride. Acacia recently obtained her Bachelors degree in Communications from Clark Atlanta University. She has worked with numerous organizations in her efforts to advocate not only for the autism community, but also children with learning and communication deficits who are underrepresented. As an activist and philanthropist, Acacia's main priority is providing resources to the special needs community.
​
She has worked with organizations such as Our Children's Story, The Boys and Girls Club, Distinguished Young Women, The 3D Foundation, and Autism Ability. Her love and patience for her little brother has allowed her to see the beauty and creativity in our community through self expression.
​
Acacia encourages everyone to not only create awareness of children with disabilities, but also create acceptance of them.
Darius Ford
Executive Director
Darius Ford is the son of Christe Ford and brother of Micah McBride. He reflects a varied personality including ambition, and the qualities of generosity and thoughtfulness. Darius’ patience and calm demeanor is his niche for caring for developmentally and intellectually challenged children and young adults. He encourages fighting for what you desire and believe in doing and accomplishing the impossible.
​
Darius is an advocate for Autism and has mentored and worked with a number of children in a variety of environments as a youth baseball coach, behavioral youth counselor, advisor and case manager for special needs children and young adults. Darius can be described as determined and encouraged. The reason these two particular words stick out to me are the quest or journey to be a forever student of whatever your passion may be. I have over 10 years of experience and educational certification for working with youth from all nationalities, cultural background and adversities that has been diagnosed with some form of developmental or behavioral disorder. I was blessed with the opportunity of obtaining a Bachelors of Science in Education and Recreational Sports. I’ve worked with over 1,000 youth and adults dealing with autism, behavioral issues, mental disabilities, addiction, molestation, etc. Lending a helping mind, heart, and hand is GOD’s purpose. I am thankful to call myself an humanitarian through numerous aspects of life. Our goal is to reach each and every affected individual to provide assistance, resources and to continue to give these children, young adults,caregivers and the community a voice for independence and equality of life.
​
​
​
