About Us
Mission Statement
Pittverse Magazine is a quarterly publication written exclusively by adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This publication aims to increase inclusion and broaden the general understanding of autism for potential employers, and society, through a demonstration of each writer’s individual skills and talents. Pittverse Magazine simultaneously fosters creativity, teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose that are imperative for success in any environment.
Who We Are
Pittverse Magazine is a quarterly publication written exclusively by adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This publication aims to increase inclusion and broaden the general understanding of autism for potential employers, and society, through a demonstration of each writer’s individual skills and talents. Pittverse Magazine simultaneously fosters creativity, teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of purpose that is imperative for success in any environment.
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Pittverse is produced by Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), a national non-profit agency that comprises a multitude of services for families with not only individuals on the autism spectrum but also other at-risk youth and adults. Brian Kluchurosky, the Director of YAP's PA Allegheny County Adults with Autism Program, founded Pittverse in 2013. It began as a newsletter written by four adults in the YAP program. In 2015, with generous funding from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, Pittverse grew from a newsletter into a magazine that commissions more than twenty adults with autism.
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If you would like to get involved, we are always accepting volunteer writers and contributors. Since Pittverse Magazine is a nonprofit organization, there is currently a cap of paid positions available. It is our hope to continue to grow and increase our number of paid positions. If you would like to be a part of Pittverse, writer's can contribute in several ways. This includes written articles, interviews, opinion pieces, original artwork, photography, podcasts, videos, recipes, top 10 lists, and many more. Speak to one of the writers or staff members, or click the link below to email our editor to get more information. You can even follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust
Pittverse Magazine is made possible in part due to the generous donations from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust. Through the grant provided by the Edith L. Trees Charitable trust, many of the Pittverse writers are able to be compensated for their submissions, which creates real work experience for future employment and greater independence, as well as a productive and diverse environment for adults with autism in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
Pittverse Magazine is proudly supported by Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) currently has programs in 17 states and serves 25 major US cities as well as dozens of other urban, suburban, and rural communities. By tapping into the strengths and capabilities or the 10,000 families we serve each year, our 2,000+ YAP staff members, and the capacity of communities, YAP affects positive change.
YAP has developed unique service delivery principles that guide our work with youth, families and adults involved in the Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, Behavioral Heath, and Educational Systems. Our staff, who reside in or near the neighborhoods they serve, work non-traditional, flexible hours and are accessible 24/7. Our demonstrated ability to recruit and energize indigenous resident leaders within neighborhoods is another unique element of our success.
External evaluations of YAP confirm the validity of our approach. Our model has also been cited by several external bodies, including Annie E. Casey Foundation, as a "promising practice" in providing effective alternatives to institutional care.
Since our agency opened, YAP has experienced rapid growth. We have broadened our scope of services and increased our capacity to service more children, youth, families, and adults - including those who have not succeeded with traditional services. We continue to explore new opportunities to demonstrate our unique and effective community-based alternatives to out-of-home placements.