Easterns Blog

At Easterns Automotive Group, giving back to our community is part of who we are. Through our Helping Hands partnership with ABC 7 News, we’re proud to highlight and support local organizations making a difference — especially during Autism Acceptance Month.

This month, we were introduced to DC Peers, a nonprofit in Northwest D.C. that provides a safe space for neurodiverse teenagers and adults to connect, build relationships, and support one another.

Founded eight years ago by Catherine Robertson, DC Peers began as a free, volunteer-led group focused on encouraging teenagers to socialize and grow together. Over time, it evolved into a nonprofit that welcomes middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults up to age 60.

“What we’re doing is talking about neurodiversity, and that takes a little work, so I gave kids community service hours, and it grew from there into a social group,” Robertson shared.

Jacob Weisman, community manager for DC Peers, has been officially diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and spoke about how meaningful the group has been for him. “I found it really meaningful connecting to my community and fostering connections for people who didn’t learn social skills as I did growing up,” Weisman said. “I’ve been able to connect with people and help provide them with space that they can come together as a community.”

Robertson emphasized that the goal of DC Peers isn’t to change participants, but to help them thrive. “Neurodivergence is inherited and it’s neurological, and we need to accept and understand [instead of trying] to change and fix,” she said.

After learning about the powerful work DC Peers is doing, Easterns Automotive Group was proud to make a surprise donation to support their mission and continued impact.

We’re honored to support an organization that empowers individuals to be themselves, build confidence, and find community. To learn more about DC Peers, visit dcpeers.org.

Easterns Automotive Group is proud to support organizations that lift up others and create lasting change.