We feel so strongly about the power of story, that instead of raising funds to pay the creators, we’re donating our many hours to do something we think will make the world a little better. One way we’re hoping to share that mission is by inviting you to help us fund copies of our anthologies that will go to organizations we’ve partnered with. Each of these organizations serve vulnerable youth in the US or abroad, and are connected to a member of our KCU community, which makes this a personal mission and one small way to use our talents to give back.
Rising Star Outreach
Rising Star Outreach serves individuals and families affected by the stigma and disease of leprosy in India by offering high-quality education, medical care, and community development. Their schools in Bihar and Tamil Nadu provide life-changing opportunities for children from leprosy colonies and surrounding communities.
Your donation will supply sets of engaging, age-appropriate graphic novels to these campuses, supporting student programs that teach English, science, math, and computer technology. Graphic novels are especially powerful for language learners: their visual storytelling and accessible vocabulary make them an ideal tool for helping students strengthen English skills in a fun and meaningful way.
By backing this project, you’re not just giving books—you’re expanding horizons, building literacy, and opening up a world of new ideas and possibilities for these remarkable students.
Learn more about the impact you’ll be part of: https://risingstaroutreach.org/our-impact/
I learned about the amazing story of how Rising Star was founded and I knew I wanted to be part of it. The organization serves some of the most vulnerable youth and adults in the world through programming that lifts people out of poverty and empowers the students who go through their schools to change the course of their futures. A good charity is one that makes itself obsolete. Rising Star’s mission to heal, educate, and help recipients find employment does just that.
A gift of two graphic novels for each campus will help their students with language acquisition as well as provide entertainment and a much needed break from the difficulties of living with the effects of poverty and the stigma of leprosy. Please consider backing the four copies needed for the campus libraries of this amazing organization.
Autism Empowerment
Autism Empowerment is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization based in Vancouver, Washington, devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults, and families in autism and neurodivergent communities. Founded by a neurodivergent family, our mission is rooted in acceptance, inclusion, and the belief that every individual has purpose, value, and unique gifts to share with the world.
Through programs like Spectrum Life Magazine, the Neurodivergent Creators Collective, Autism Serves – Helping Hands, and our Autism Empowerment Podcast (coming back this summer), we aim to create a kinder, more inclusive society where autistic and neurodivergent voices are heard, celebrated, and supported.
Learn more at www.AutismEmpowerment.org
As a mother of three Neurodivergent sons, uncovering how their brains work revealed the truth about my own and was a catalyst for diving into creative endeavors as I sought ways to better understand my own identity. Fast forward to being a part of the Kids Comics Studio Anthology and having the opportunity to write a comic inspired by my middle son. See, throughout his 10 years, he’s often referred to himself as a god and we didn’t know until he was 7 that this was a feature of his specific flavor of Autism. FELIX THE GOG is about a kid that believes he’s a god and finds a grumble of unexpected worshipers.
By partnering with Autism Empowerment, donated books will make it into the hands of Autistic and Neurodivergent kids like my sons. Representation matters, and there’s something really special about a comic by an Autistic creator, about an Autistic kid, inspired by a real Autistic kid, finding its way into the hands of actual Autistic kids while supporting an organization that is devoted to Autistic and Neurodivergent communities. Additionally, I know I’m not the only creator with Neurodivergent connections involved in this anthology. There are other creators that are Neurodivergent themselves or have their own Neurodivergent kids or family members and I love that their stories also get to be shared through Autism Empowerment’s outreach.
Autism Empowerment has a local footprint in Southwest Washington, but their programs reach across the west coast, the United States, and the globe. Our family are avid readers of the Spectrum Life magazine, which featured a pug on the cover of the Spring 2025 issue as it delved into Autistic stories across the globe. Also, I look forward to getting involved in their newest programming the AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective which launches on Zoom 2pm PST on April 26th (Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84070555522)
I can only hope we are inundated with backers of our community tier so that we can do some good by supporting Autism Empowerment.
AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective Launches 4/26
A New Era of Inclusive Storytelling
The Neurodivergent Creators Collective (AE-NCC) is a new neurodivergent-led initiative by Autism Empowerment that supports and amplifies the talents of autistic and neurodivergent creatives. Whether you’re into acting, screenwriting, digital media, filmmaking, podcasting, writing, music, game design, or storytelling for good, there’s a place for you at AE-NCC!
AE-NCC’s program intends to offer workshops, mentorship, and creative opportunities for aspiring adults and older teens to develop skills, connect with industry professionals, and bring their unique voices to life. Whether you’re interested in being in front of the camera, behind the scenes, or crafting compelling narratives for fiction, non-fiction, or disability advocacy, AE-NCC is here to empower and uplift neurodivergent creators and storytellers.
They are building an inclusive community with mentorship, workshops, hands-on experiences, and professional development opportunities.
Who Can Join?
AE-NCC is open to autistic and neurodivergent adults and teens of all experience levels. Whether you’re just starting your journey or already have a portfolio, they will meet you where you are and help you grow your skills and confidence. AE-NCC’s mission is to elevate diverse voices and create a thriving space for collaboration, empowerment, and growth.
To learn more about the AE-NCC, read their interview with program leaders Brian Tashima and Gwyn LaRee in the Spring 2025 edition of our publication Spectrum Life Magazine (pages 28 – 33), take their survey and join the free kick-off meeting on Zoom on Saturday, April 26th, 2025!
Some of the topics AE-NCC is looking to support
- Acting and the business of Acting
- Filmmaking
- Podcasting
- Music (Production and aspects of the business)
- Screenwriting (in film and tv), Playwriting (for stage) and Writing (novels, fiction, and short stories)
- Video Game Production
- Storytelling for Good (creating stories with purpose to build the next generation of leaders around Storytelling and Disability Advocacy)
- Other topics based on community interest