Caiden’s Corner aims to bring connection, hope and resources to Coast’s autism families

Special to Long Beach Breeze

A new nonprofit has been formed to help families with children who have been diagnosed with autism.

Launched by local mom and community advocate Alyece Smith — whose own son Caiden is on the autism spectrum — Caiden’s Corner is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in south Mississippi navigating life with autism. Their mission is simple: no autism family should feel alone.

Caiden’s Corner connects parents and caregivers with resources, training and practical support. They host sensory-friendly events where kids can feel safe and included, while parents have opportunities to build relationships with others on a similar path. The organization also plans to build a robust online resource hub, listing therapy providers, grants, local agencies, and sensory support tools across Harrison, Hancock and Jackson Counties.

During its official launch celebration, Caiden’s Corner kicked off its programs and spread awareness. Events included Pizzas in Pieces Night, a sensory-friendly dinner experience bringing autism families together over food, conversation and play; Color the Coast, a community color walk raising acceptance and awareness; and a silent auction fundraiser, an online event showcasing donations from dozens of local businesses, raising critical funds for therapy scholarships and future programming.

While their first wave of events focused on Hancock County, Caiden’s Corner is actively working to expand programming to Long Beach and Pass Christian in the coming months. The organization is exploring partnerships with local churches, libraries and schools to host additional sensory-friendly activities and parent workshops in those communities.

“Families should not have to drive an hour for their kids to have a safe place to belong,” Smith says. “We’re excited to work directly with Long Beach and Pass Christian partners to make support accessible right where people live.”

The group is also building a volunteer network and welcomes anyone who wants to help — whether through sensory-friendly play, event set-up, community outreach, or just lending a kind ear to parents who need to talk.

To get involved, families and supporters can visit www.CaidensCorner.com, sign up for updates, or follow on social media at @CaidensCornerMS.