JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A specialized institution in Jacksonville, dedicated to supporting children with autism and other developmental challenges, has permanently ended its operations, citing the ongoing government shutdown as the primary cause.

In a message sent to families, the Board of Directors of The Jericho School for Children with Autism revealed that what was initially a temporary suspension of activities has now become a permanent closure. The private non-profit, which focused on early developmental education, Applied Behavior Analysis, and speech therapy, ceased operations on October 20th.

“Our diligent efforts to maintain the school have been severely hampered by the Federal government shutdown and delays in insurance reimbursements, which are crucial for supporting students from military families. These issues have led to a financial shortfall that we simply cannot overcome.”

This closure leaves many parents and children in the community scrambling to find alternative educational resources, in an area where such options are already scarce.

For more than three decades, the Jericho School has been a critical resource for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Parents like Lauralyn Popp tell First Coast News the closure is deeply personal. Popp’s daughter Elizabeth began attending the Jericho School when she was five years old.

“She learned how to sit in a chair and do work and began the process of learning meaningful verbalization, meaningful communication with her mouth instead of the continual tantrums,” said Popp.

Elizabeth is now 31 years old and after two decades, Popp said her daughter is thriving thanks to the school.

“I can’t even begin to, to, to tell you the difference that this child has had as a result of being at the Jericho school,” she said, “She’s a beautiful pianist. She loves to do laundry. Her room looks is organized like a department store. It’s wonderful. She helps us cook.”

“It makes me so happy. She’s doing fabulous, wonderful,” said Popp.

As a longtime board member, donor and parent, Popp said the closure is devasting.

“I was very disappointed. I sat on their board for over 20 years. I make several $1000 donations to them every year,” she said.

Popp is now worried about what this means for other children who depend on the specialized programs at the school.

“Our priority now is to support our students and families through this transition,” wrote the Board of Directors. Families who need their student’s records, therapy documentation, or assistance finding new education or therapy options are advised to contact Angelo Martinez at the following email: info@thejerichoschool.org.

The consequences of the shutdown are soon to reach even further if Senate members cannot overcome a current impasse on funding. 

The USDA announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will freeze on Nov. 1, impacting around 42 million people nationwide. Local food banks are already feeling the squeeze.