About Us

Futures Unwalled is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We provide education advocacy, school navigation, and coordinated family support for students with disabilities and unhoused youth across Southern California. We work to ensure all children can participate fully in school and reach their potential. Disability, income, language, or housing status should not limit access to education. We help low-income families navigate school systems, access services, and prevent crises.

Since launching in 2025, we have supported over 90 families. We have attended IEP and 504 meetings and provided individualized school navigation. We also distributed school supplies and essentials through our Warm Futures for Learning initiative. The families we serve face disability-related needs, housing instability, or other educational barriers.

Students with disabilities, English Learners, and unhoused youth often struggle to access school supports. Many families must navigate complex systems alone. This leads to delayed services and escalating behavioral or mental health needs. It also increases classroom removals.

Organizations like TASK provide helpful trainings. However, they do not provide individualized support or attend IEP meetings. They also do not offer hands-on navigation. Families who need one-on-one help often lack a no-cost option. This gap disproportionately impacts low-income and disabled students and contributes to educational inequities.

Futures Unwalled fills this gap by providing education advocacy and coordinated family support that helps students stay connected to learning and families feel supported.

These services lead to:

• Easier access to needed school supports

• Fewer classroom removals and learning disruptions

• Greater parent confidence communicating with schools

• Fewer crises or legal conflicts

• Improved coordination between schools and community resources

We receive referrals from schools, social workers, Regional Center staff, healthcare providers, and community organizations, demonstrating both unmet need and validation of our model.

Empowering families facing educational barriers

Our Vision

A future without walls: where families have the tools, resources, and support to help children thrive.

Our Mission

Futures Unwalled helps families break barriers to learning. We support them in navigating disability services and resources for their children. We guide families with advocacy, resources, and community-based support.

We improve families’ wellbeing by providing free peer support & advocacy.

We link clients to resources, help with evaluation requests, attend meetings, build collaboration, assist with planning revisions, give ongoing support, and guidance.

Meet our board

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Ashley Mehr

Board President

Ashley is neurodivergent with ADHD and her three children have ADHD. Her youngest daughter has autism. Ashley founded Futures Unwalled to help families experiencing barriers to help them focus on what matters most - their family. Ashley is a member of Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). She co-established the founding board of Futures Unwalled.

A black and white portrait of a woman with long, wavy hair, wearing earrings and a confident expression.

Erin Jimenez

Board Secretary

Erin has been a dedicated special education advocate and parent coach for almost a decade. She grew up in rural California. Erin has two sons with autism. She understands the ins and outs of overcoming barriers to education and co-established the founding board of Futures Unwalled to make a difference.

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair smiling.

Nichole Gideon

Board Treasurer

Nichole loves spending time with her family and helping others. She has a passion to give back to her community and lift others up. Nichole has a son with ADHD. She co-established the founding board of Futures Unwalled with Erin and Ashley.