OUR STORY
The Big Puddle was founded in 2023 by Maria Duerson, a parent of an autistic son who is nonverbal. As both a Licensed Behavioral Health Clinician and founder of an adult disability services agency, Maria saw firsthand how people fall through the cracks, not because services don't exist, but because funding gaps prevent access.
The Big Puddle brings together parents, service providers, and advocates who understand the system from the inside. We fund the critical supports that insurance won't cover, government programs exclude, and traditional charities can't provide—ensuring that vulnerable individuals get a "yes" instead of another "no."
WHY THE BIG PUDDLE EXISTS
For years, I contributed to organizations serving people with autism and disabilities—sponsoring events, volunteering, advocating. But when I needed help as a parent, the support wasn't there. I heard "no" more than "yes."
I saw clients denied mental health treatment because they couldn't speak. I watched families lose housing because rental assistance fell through bureaucratic cracks. I witnessed service providers unable to help their clients because of arbitrary funding restrictions.
The Big Puddle exists because the people who need help most often can't access it—not due to lack of services, but due to funding gaps, inflexible rules, and disconnected systems.
We assembled a leadership team of people who've lived this reality: parents of children with disabilities, service providers, and advocates who know where the gaps are because we've experienced them. Now we're filling them.
Our goal is simple: change "no" to "yes" for people who deserve support.
— Maria Duerson, Founder
WHAT WE DO
The Big Puddle partners with service providers, hospitals, and community organizations throughout Bucks County and beyond. When they identify clients who need critical supports that fall outside traditional funding sources, we step in.
We provide targeted funding for:
• Support staff for mental health treatment and hospital stays
• Housing assistance and rental support
• Provider training on specialized treatment protocols
• Cross-agency care coordination during transitions
• Employment and skills training programs
• Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Every funding decision is made individually, focusing on immediate needs that would otherwise go unmet.
PROGRAMS
THE HELEN PROJECT
Preventing homelessness for individuals with disabilities through housing security and rental assistance. Learn More
EQUIMIND PROJECT
Creating equitable access to mental health services for people with disabilities and communication barriers. Learn More
THE NOAH PROJECT
Supporting nonverbal individuals through companion care across hospitals, clinics, and care facilities. Learn More
THE ABILITIES PROJECT
Creating hands-on training through paid apprenticeship programs for people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. Learn More