Lisa and Jim Price (pictured above) are dedicated advocates on behalf of children and families who are directly impacted by Autism.
Jack’s Place for Autism Foundation was co-founded in September, 2002, by Jim and Lisa Price sometime after their son, Jackson, was diagnosed with Autism. The difficult news followed several frustrating months of inconclusive medical tests. Nothing, however, could prepare the Prices for the many challenges that Autism would bring into their lives as they sought to care for their son. At that time, little education and/or support services were available, and very few people in the community had even the most rudimentary understanding of what Autism entailed.
After sharing their own story with other families impacted by Autism, it became clear that support and ongoing educational tools were desperately needed. This prompted Lisa and Jim to establish a foundation that would offer practical resources that fostered hope and practical support to other families facing the same unique concerns.
JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation was created to provide families with needed support services, community initiatives, grants, scholarships, and referrals. In addition, JACK’S PLACE constantly seeks ways to raise Autism awareness throughout the broader community in which it serves.
One day, JACK’S PLACE envisions building a life skills center and long-term care facility in which people with Autism can live their lives in an environment that is caring, understanding and supportive.
Jim Price, Co-Founder, JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation & Detroit Tigers Broadcaster
Jim Price played for five major league seasons; all of them with the Tigers. He participated in 64 games (42 of them at catcher) during the memorable 1968 season. That year, Detroit’s extraordinarily successful record (103 Wins / 59 Losses / .636 Pct.) paved the way to battle the St. Louis Cardinals for the major league baseball championship crown. During that amazing 1968 “Fall Classic”, the Detroit Tigers battled back from a bleak 3 games to 1 deficit, to defeat the Cardinals in what became one of baseball’s greatest World Series upsets.
Then Detroit Tiger catcher, Jim Price (pictured left), as he appeared during the 1968 baseball season.
Jim was purchased by the Tigers in April of 1967 after seven minor league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He was named Minor League Player of the Year in 1963 while with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
A native of Harrisburg, PA, he was a three-sport star at Hershey (PA) High School...refused a number of college football scholarship offers to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960.
Treasuring the memories of being a part of the historic Detroit Tigers 1968 World Series Championship Team, Jim Price began a new career which led to 22 seasons on Tigers broadcasts and a 15th season on the Tigers Radio Network.
The Official Souvenir 1968 World Series Program (above, left) sold at Tiger Stadium. Jim Price (pictured above right), as a member of the legendary 1968 Detroit Tiger World Series Championship team.
Other broadcast credits include work as play-by-play man on Chicago White Sox cable telecasts, color commentary for ESPN college baseball and anchoring weekend sports on Detroit's WJBK-TV.
Assists in the Detroit Tigers front office efforts, focusing on baseball participation camps...joined the organization in 1992 as the Director of Community Relations.
Inducted into the Kinston (NC) Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995, the Hershey High School Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Central Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 2008.
He and his wife, Lisa, founded a not-for-profit foundation called JACK’S PLACE for Autism in October of 2002 to benefit children with autism...the foundation, named after their son who was diagnosed with autism, works to provide services for individuals and families affected by the neurological disorder.
Lisa Price representing JACK'S PLACE for Autism Foundation during the foundation’s 2014 Halloween Family Fun Day event at the North Oakland Family Y. Dedicated partnerships allow JACK’S PLACE to continue serving families all across Michigan.
Because of the tremendous community and corporate support, the foundation's five-year plan was reached in a little over one and a half years. From 2004-2008 JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation partnered with Oakland University in Rochester, MI through the JACK’S PLACE at OU program which enabled JACK’S PLACE to deliver programming and services to individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including soccer, basketball, swimming, baseball, arts and theater programs. Also included was family counseling, sibling groups, social skills groups, seminars and training sessions for parents, caregivers, physicians, teachers and counselors.
Since its inception in 2002, over 8,000 children and adults have participated in all of the Jack's Place programs.
Currently, JACK'S PLACE for Autism Foundation is working on program and delivery sites expansion, as well as a facility that will house "Quality of Life" programming and a long-term living environment, the first of its kind in the country.
Lisa Price, President & Co-Founder, JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation
Lisa Price with Augie the Spectrum Dog, JACK'S PLACE for Autism Foundation’s official mascot. Augie, as he is called, made his debut in 2014 during JACK’S PLACE Week at Indian Trails Summer Camp. The campers found comfort away from home with their canine friend and helped craft Augie’s story.
Lisa Price is co-founder of the JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation, along with husband and co-founder Jim Price, Detroit Tigers broadcaster and catcher for the famed 1968 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers. JACK’S PLACE is named after their son, Jackson, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 1998.
Born of their struggle to find resources, programs and support for their son, JACK’S PLACE is dedicated to helping families cope with the everyday challenges of autism. It provides support groups, seminars, workshops and counseling for families; a referral network to locate qualified health care specialists familiar with autism; and camp activities for autistic children and adults.
In total, JACK’S PLACE has helped over 8,000 participants in the state of Michigan through sponsored programming, scholarships and outings. In addition, JACK’S PLACE has raised autism awareness in metro Detroit through eleven annual Autism Awareness Days at Comerica Park.
Representatives from Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. present Lisa and Jim Price with a generous donation to benefit JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation, during the , July 5, 2015.
JACK’S PLACE has raised $3.5 million with the generous support of many prominent businesses and organizations including: Ilitch Holdings, the Detroit Tiger organization, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc., Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, UAW, General Motors, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Local 4 WDIV-TV Detroit, Meijer, Quicken Loans, Rock Financial and The Private Bank.
Lisa Price (pictured above) spent 27 years as an accomplished, award-winning Interior Designer (with clients in Georgia, New Jersey, California, Minnesota, Texas, Florida and Metropolitan Detroit). She now assumes full-time responsibilities in her capacity as president of JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation.
NOTE: Although the above video P.S.A. was produced in 2006, the touching personal testimonials shine a bright light upon the incredible blessing that JACK’S PLACE for Autism Foundation represents to countless families.
JACK'S PLACE for Autism Foundation
17360 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite 204
Southfield, MI 48076
Jack’s Place for Autism Foundation was co-founded in September, 2002, by Jim and Lisa Price sometime after their son, Jackson, was diagnosed with Autism. The difficult news followed several frustrating months of inconclusive medical tests. Nothing, however, could prepare the Prices for the many challenges that Autism would bring into their lives as they sought to care for their son. At that time, little education and/or support services were available, and very few people in the community had even the most rudimentary understanding of what Autism entailed.
Jim Price played for five major league seasons; all of them with the Tigers. He participated in 64 games (42 of them at catcher) during the memorable 1968 season. That year, Detroit’s extraordinarily successful record (103 Wins / 59 Losses / .636 Pct.) paved the way to battle the St. Louis Cardinals for the major league baseball championship crown. During that amazing 1968 “Fall Classic”, the Detroit Tigers battled back from a bleak 3 games to 1 deficit, to defeat the Cardinals in what became one of baseball’s greatest World Series upsets.
