Colors of Hope
Raising autism awareness in the Democratic Republic of Congo and building pathways to diagnosis, education, and acceptance.
Colors of Hope Gala
2026-07-11T18:00:00 · The Water Table
530 Winston Salem Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 · Tickets: $125
Congolese Cuisine
Authentic Congolese dishes prepared by local chefs
Fashion & Culture
Traditional Congolese fashion showcase and cultural performances
Live Entertainment
Music, dance, and performances celebrating Congolese heritage
Silent Auction
Bid on unique items — all proceeds benefit children with Autism in the DRC
Dance for Autism Vol. 4
📍 Simon Family JCC
5000 Corporate Woods Dr, VA Beach, VA
Dance fitness fundraiser benefiting Autism Congo — instructors from DMV, Maryland & Georgia!
Get Tickets 💃Our Mission
In the DRC, autism is widely misunderstood. Access to diagnosis, specialized education, and therapy is extremely limited. Mothers raising children with autism often face intense social stigma. We are working to change this reality.
Autism Congo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and support to children with Autism and their families in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Originally from the DRC, Therese Kolongo came to the US and had a son, Emile. When he was diagnosed with Autism she knew if he had been born in the DRC, he would never have had the chance to flourish as he has in the US. For children like Emile and their mothers, Therese founded Autism Congo.
Ways to Get Involved
Every action — big or small — brings us closer to a world where every child with Autism is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Donate
Your tax-deductible gift directly supports autism awareness, family support programs, and educational resources in the DRC.
Volunteer
Share your time and skills — from event planning to social media, every contribution makes a difference.
Partner With Us
Congregations, professionals, and businesses can sponsor programs or host awareness events in their communities.
Voices from Kinshasa
A mother shares her journey raising a child with Autism in the DRC — and how Autism Congo Initiative changed her family's life.
Colors of Hope
Community outreach in the DRC
Building connections
Colors of Hope Gala
Dance for Autism fundraiser
Community celebration
Families we serve
Hope and togetherness
Education and technology
Learning together
Colors of Hope Gala 2025
Media coverage
Spreading awareness
Every Child Deserves a Chance
Help us bring awareness, education, and acceptance to families affected by Autism in the DRC.
Get In Touch
Have questions? Want to volunteer, donate, or learn more? We'd love to hear from you.
Autism Congo
Site coming soon.