Our Mission

At Puzzle Pieces Squared (P2), we are dedicated to providing vital support to local families affected by Autism, one step at a time. 🧩 We understand that every family's journey is unique, and we're here to help them find the missing pieces, bringing a sense of wholeness back into their lives. Through financial resources, partnerships, and ongoing support, we strive to create a lasting impact in our community.

Our Story

Puzzle Pieces Squared (P2) was born from a deeply personal journey that transformed our lives. As young parents, we noticed early signs that our twins were different, yet we knew little about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the time. When the official diagnosis came, we were overwhelmed, both by the emotional weight of the news and the daunting path ahead. Our pediatrician's words still echo in our minds: “Mourn the way you thought life was going to be, and embrace the path you’re on.”

Those words, though difficult to hear, guided us to where we are today. P2 was founded out of our desire to create a better path not just for our children, but for countless families navigating the challenges of raising children with ASD. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that families receive the specialized therapies and support their children need to thrive.

As we immersed ourselves in the world of ASD care, one painful truth became clear: the system wasn’t built for families like ours. While our insurance covered some basics, we were consistently told that the most crucial therapies—those that would significantly improve our children’s quality of life—were either underfunded or completely excluded from coverage.

We were left asking ourselves, “How can we give our children the best chance at a fulfilling life if the resources they need are out of reach?”

Our experience was common among many families, and while we initially supported research fundraisers, we wanted to make a more direct impact. This inspired us to create a community focused on awareness and tangible support. We began by sharing our story on Facebook, and after a year of dedicated effort, we officially launched Puzzle Pieces Squared in 2015.

Today, P2 assists families and educators across New Jersey and Philadelphia, helping them access the financial support they need for therapies, equipment, and specialized services.

Our All-Volunteer Committee

Puzzle Pieces Squared is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom are passionate about our mission. Our committee members come from diverse backgrounds, bringing their unique skills and perspectives to help grow our impact.

• Jared Silverstein – Founder & President (Team Lead, Adapt Health and Personal Fitness Trainer)
• Trish Silverstein – Co-Founder & Vice President (M.A. Educator)
• Chandni Langford - Founding Board and Committee member (7th Grade Language Arts Educator)

Our committee is made up of individuals from various fields who generously volunteer their time and talents to ensure we can continue to support families in need. Each member of our committee works tirelessly to support our fundraising events, community outreach, and the grant application process.

• Smita Mangla - Committee Member since 2016 (7th Grade Mathematics Educator)
• Dean Bogin - Committee Member since 2018 (Senior Executive Legal Recruiter, LHH Recruitment Solutions)
• Rheana Bogin - Committee Member since 2018 (Sr. Account Manager, Poretta & Orr, Inc.)
• Karen Baldino - Committee Member since 2023 (Director of Operations, Adapt Health)
• Katie Kostin - Committee Member since March of 2024 (PhD student, Temple University College of Education and Human Development)
• Jacob Silverstein - Committee Member since June of 2024 (Bakery Clerk, ShopRite)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a grant?

Applying for a grant is simple! Use the Contact Us form on our website to share your contact details and let us know what type of support you're seeking. Our President will reach out to you shortly. From there, you’ll be guided through an easy application process that includes completing a form and a phone consultation with our President.

What types of grants are offered?

We offer grants for various needs, including:

• Occupational, physical, speech, equine, and music therapies
• Sensory support needs
• Safety equipment
• Summer camp programs through our Eva Penny Silver Scholarship.
• Technological communication devices through our Jacob Crudele Technology Grant.

How is the organization funded?

P2 is funded by individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and our annual fundraising events. We host a Gala in June and an Autism Fun Walk in October. Additionally, in April, a dear friend hosts an online auction that directly supports our programming.

How can I help P2?

You can support Puzzle Pieces Squared by:

• Donating
• Sponsoring our events
• Attending our fundraising events
• Volunteering at fundraisers
• Joining our committee or board

How much of the donations are allocated for grants?

Over 90% of the donations we receive go directly to our grant funds. Every dollar raised at fundraisers or donated by individuals helps families and teachers in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

How many families have you helped?

As of June 2024, Puzzle Pieces Squared has provided support to over 55 local families and 6 teachers.

How are you seeking funding?

We are actively seeking grants and sponsorships from corporations, and individuals, and through our two major annual fundraisers—the Gala in June and the Autism Fun Walk in October.

What happens after I submit a Contact Us form?

Once you submit the form, our President, Jared, will contact you within a few days. The next steps include providing some documentation and completing our grant intake form. Jared will work closely with you to ensure that your family or classroom receives the support it most needs.

Financial Transparency (Tax Id# 47-3834811)

Since our founding in 2015, Puzzle Pieces Squared has allocated at least 90% of all funds raised directly toward grants. Our volunteer-based committee and board receive no compensation, ensuring that the majority of our resources directly benefit the families and educators we serve.

Each year, we provide over $20,000 in funding to support our community, except in 2021, when the pandemic impacted our ability to host live fundraisers. In just eight years, we've awarded grants to over 60 recipients in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

At Puzzle Pieces Squared, we believe in making a difference—one puzzle piece at a time.