Joane and Ted Lindsay Foundation Honored by GAM For Autism Outreach

GAM Honors The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University

  FARMINGTON HILLS – At the end of a busy golf day at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center, which includes two championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art practice facility and range, Golf Services Manager Ashley Dewling likes to stop for a minute before sunset and watch what is happening.

 “I’ve been running around all day, I’m tired, had enough of golf, but then I see wonderful kids and adults getting introduced to the game in such a wonderful way and it puts a smile back on my face,” she said. “It’s just something very special.”

 The Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation Autism Outreach Services at Oakland University has been named the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for 2025.

   The program, commonly referred to as OUCARES, includes the outreach services of the Oakland University Center for Autism. It was nominated for the GAM honor by Dewling, who volunteers and serves the GAM as a Governor and committee member.

   In 2018 the Joanne and Ted Lindsay Foundation pledged a $1 million endowment to further develop programs for teens and adults living with autism, which led to the changing of the program’s name to honor Ted Lindsay, the late Detroit Red Wings legend and Hockey Hall of Famer, and his late philanthropic wife, Joanne, who served on the board for OUCARES.

  OUCARES is the fourth winner of the Champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award, which was first awarded in 2022. It is intended to recognize individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in golf.

  Dewling called the program a perfect fit for the award and for those who benefit.

  “Their volunteers use special golf instruction equipment (SNAG, Starting New at Golf), like targets, specially designed clubs, even tennis balls, to teach golf and honestly, we just stay out of the way,” she said. “We give them the space and then they make it happen, especially Dennis (Laubach), the volunteer who directs it for them. You just have to see the faces of the golfers to see it is a remarkable thing.”

 Becca Allard, the OUCARES program coordinator, said it was surprising and exciting to be recognized by the Golf Association of Michigan for one of its programs.

  “We do what we do regardless of recognition, but it is cool for us to be spotlighted like this, especially for our volunteers,” she said. “We are happy to put on a program that is inclusive and available to the population we serve, and we are so touched that Ashley nominated us.”

  Allard said the mission of OUCARES is to improve the quality of life of individuals impacted by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) by offering quality and comprehensive programs across the lifespan. It started in 2004 with a youth soccer program for about 20 families and has expanded to support over 2,000 people in about 50 seasonal rotating programs each year.

  “The golf program, which started in 2011, has a lot to do with Dennis, our golf facilitator who works with everybody year after year as they continue to grow, learn and improve their skills,” Allard said. “It’s really fantastic to see it. Some of the golfers have been doing it for several years now and you can see it has made an impact on them.”

  Allard said volunteers and support are always welcome. Call 248-370-2424 or visit the Give to OUCARES page. Learn more at Homepage – OUCARES – Oakland University.