We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Coats and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, what principle do you value most?
Kindness and acceptance. Growing up as an Asian minority in California, I didn’t feel that I was accepted due to my race. My parents were immigrants and my brother and I were first generation, born in the United States. They wanted us to be “Americanized” so that we could “fit in”. My father was very strict and had my life planned for me but when I started to have my own voice, I wasn’t accepted in his eyes either. A disappointed when I didn’t meet his expectations. I had a few friends but was also made fun of or told I don’t belong “here”. When my son was diagnosed with autism, I wanted to make sure that he knew how very proud I am of him and that he could never disappoint me. My children are loved, supported, and I tell them everyday how proud I am of them. I learned that being kind, loving, and accepting others is important. We are all different and we should embrace each other’s differences. Starting and building a nonprofit organization has been a passion that I didn’t know I was capable of. I do this for my son and all kids who feel they don’t belong, feel accepted, or feel like they are a disappointment. Because, I have been there as a child and it’s a horrible feeling that has created a lot of self doubt and insecurities. Therefore, I made a promise that my children would always know how wonderful they are and to always be proud of who they are and going to be.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

LBC Hero Squad creates school and community events that support neurodivergent families. We are part of the movement in Long Beach, CA. to make the city an Autism Certified City. This has only been done previously in Mesa, AZ. We are working with the organization, International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, to help families in our community that have members with autism and families that want safe and welcoming travel options as well. The certification focuses on 6 areas:

1. Hospitality
2. Education
3. Healthcare
4. Inclusive Hiring + Workplace Neurodiversity
5. City Government + Public Safety
6. Entertainment
We are working with local city council members, The Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and The Convention and Visitor’s bureau to coordinate this effort.
This is an amazing opportunity for Long Beach to provide safe, welcoming and inclusive places for people diagnosed with ASD and their families. Restaurants, Hotels, Hospitals, Businesses, Police and Fire personnel, LBUSD, tourist destinations and more all have the opportunity to go through training on how to provide quality services for people with autism and other neurodivergent individuals. They are certified as an Autism Certified Center and added to IBCCES list of Autism friendly destinations.

People diagnosed with autism, as well as their families, face may obstacles and challenges. Quality and
inclusive education options, healthcare options, caregiver options, job opportunities and overall support
, in general, are often overlooked when it comes to the disabled community as a whole. Disability
transcends every race, culture and socioeconomic class. Yet it is rarely included in most DEI discussions.
Awareness and acceptance is key to providing inclusion and equity for all. LBC Hero Squad is committed
to promoting a city-wide culture of kindness and acceptance, celebrating the differences of all children.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Long Beach has many great spots to check out. The Queen Mary has recently been renovated. The Aquarium of the Pacific and The Boathouse On The Bay has beautiful view and great food. The Boathouse On The Bay also hosts our Autism Night Out the 3rd or 4th Monday of every month. Only opened for our neurodivergent families. The LBC Hero Squad and Play LB have created this event for our autism community. Spearheaded by Sumer Temple. We believe there’s a need for neurodivergent families to be able to dine out in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Families can feel accepted and relaxed knowing that they are not being judged. All behaviors are welcomed and accepted at our Autism Night Out events! We thank John Morris and the Boathouse On The Bay staff for their service and care. They have opened their restaurant and hearts to families experiencing autism. For drinks, we recommend The Hawk Bar and the Pike. There are so many great places to go. So many unique small businesses that we love, like And Then LB and Sweet Threads. Driving downtown, you can also see rad murals. We love Long Beach.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I dedicate this Shoutout to my family first and foremost as they are my life. My husband works very hard for us and is an amazing dad. My son, has the biggest and kindest heart. And my daughter is funny, witty, and believes in being fair. I am blessed to have an amazing family. We are all love and support and encourage one another.

I also want to dedicate this Shoutout to the LBC Hero Squad team. With out all of us, we wouldn’t have created a nonprofit organization. We have been grass roots since 2016 and I feel our squad is also my family. My autism family. We support, love, accept, and encourage one another. And I can’t thank them enough for all the hard work and passion they have put in all these years. Thank you squad for all your support and believing in the LBC Hero Squad.

Website: lbcherosquad.org

Instagram: @lbcherosquad

Facebook: @lbcherosquad

Other: https://linktr.ee/lbcherosquad

Image Credits
Mostly my Iphone ADHD event photos by Creative Flow Arts Squad Holiday Card designed by Gabriella Rios (LBC Hero Squad Designer)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.