Our History

True Love for Special Need Families was founded in 2018 by Dr. Kelly Shen and families affected by Autism Disorder Spectrum(ASD). Built on the lived experience of special-needs families, True Love began as a nonprofit community rooted in love, suppprt, and shared resources for individuals with intelletual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Over time, True Love expanded from family support and volunteers-led programs into two main departments: the Adult Care Center and the Community Service. The Adult Care Center provides medicaid waiver or private pay adult day service, including daily activities, social skills support, life skills practice, and opportunities for community participation.

The Community Service provides free community-based support through professional guidance, family engagement, volunteer commitment, training, inclusive activities and shared resources. Currently, the Community Service includes two programs: the Youth Development Program (YDP)and the Life Intervention Program (LIP). The YDP supports youth growth, social participation, volunteer engagement, and community involvement. The LIP focuses on pratical life-skills development, family-centered support, and real-life learning opportunities that help individuals build independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life.

Dr. Shen left True Love in 2025, but her Founding contribution remains an important part of the organization’s history. Today, True continues its mission through current leadership, staff, families, volunteers, and community partners.

Tips: True Love for Special Need Families, otherwise known as “True Love”, is a Non-profit Organization (FEIN: 82-4868718) that provides love and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Our Core Values

  • We aim to bring attention to special needs individuals in the community and increase the recognition of, understanding for, and support regarding the challenges faced by these individuals—our friends—and their families.

  • We are driven to face any challenge alongside our friends and their families and grow as a community together by building and maintaining a social platform for them. At the same time, we seek to gather funds to support these families financially and emotionally.

  • Provide scholarships along with volunteering and job opportunities for people who want to help special needs children. The organization will also provide medical assistance to Chinese communities.

  • Develop a comprehensive living community for those with special needs to provide a place for them to work, socialize and live in for the rest of their lives by partnering with other organizations or companies.

  • Increase communication between Chinese autism organizations, American autism organizations, and mainstream American society.

Our Founder: Kelly Shen

“I have a place in my heart for all families struggling with autism since I have children dealing with autism and know how difficult it can be. I firmly believe that where there is hope, there is love. I hope that our collective love can support all of our families! I hope that True Love becomes our organization that exists for all of us!”