About Uniting Pieces, a ministry of Center MBC
Uniting Pieces is an outreach ministry to families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, Uniting Pieces works closely with area pediatricians, primary care physicians, and Shelby County schools, as a resource to provide assistance to children and families impacted by ASD.
With an approved referral from a doctor or a school counselor, United Pieces will provide the specific resources needed on a case-by-case basis, as long as funds are available. Because ASD is a spectrum, not every child with ASD requires the same care. Below is a breakdown of resources which may be offered depending on the specific needs of the requesting family.
- Communication: These items may help children better communicate and/or help with transitions and routines.
- Electronic devices that can generate speech for individuals that have difficulty communicating verbally
- Talking flashcards to improve communication
- Visual supports such as a visual schedule board with cards
- Feeling charts to help understand emotions
- Flashcards with words and pictures to improve speech and language
- Visual timers
- Sensory Items: These items can help with focus, reduce anxiety, and have a calming effect for many children on the spectrum.
- Compression clothing, compression vests, and weighted blankets can provide deep pressure
- Chewy necklaces or bracelets
- Noise cancelling headphones and/or ear buds
- Sensory chairs
- Safety Items: These items can help keep children with autism safe
- Door child locks
- Cabinet and drawer locks
- Safety bed tents
- Indoor safety gate
- Personal Care Items: These items can help with daily personal care for children with autism.
- Diapers and/or Pull ups
- Wipes
- No rinse bathing cloths
- Financial Aid for Therapy Sessions: Children on the spectrum may need specialized therapy sessions in behavioral therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy.
- Scholarships: Scholarships for Shelby County residents with ASD to attend The Helping House in Nacogdoches. The Helping House is a private school and resource center serving children on the autism spectrum, specializing in early intervention programs that focus on communication, behavior, self-care, and social skills.
About the Superheroes for Autism 5K Fundraiser
The Superheroes for Autism 5K will be the annual fundraiser for the Uniting Pieces ministry. The goal is to raise enough funds each year to keep the ministry operational at least until the next year, so that we do not have to deny any requests due to lack of funds.
PROMO:
Join Center Missionary Baptist Church, Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 443 Moffett Drive, Center, Texas, for the annual Superheroes for Autism 5K! This 5K course through the scenic trails and parks of Center, Texas, is a good fit for both the serious runner or those who prefer a slower pace, and is a fun way to show love and support to the autism community in Shelby County. Funds raised by this event will benefit Uniting Pieces, a ministry of Center MBC, and will be used to provide resources and assistance to families impacted by ASD.
5K Race & Walk | Community Resources | Raffles | Games & Activities | Giveaways | Food Truck | & More!
| ACTIVITIES | |
| 7:30 AM-8:30 AM | Late Registration/Check-In Time |
| 8:00 AM-1:00 PM | Meet & Greet Superheroes |
| 8:00 AM-1:00 PM | Ballpark Concessions, Sponsor Booths Open |
| 9:00 AM | 5K Race |
| 9:15 AM | 1.5 Mile Walk, Roll, or Stroll |
RACE CATEGORIES:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of each category below will receive a prize.
Male and Female { 13-20 } { 21-30 } { 31-40 } { 41-50 } { 51-60 } { 61+ } { Wheelchair Racers }
PRE-RACE PICK-UP
March 30th-April 3, 2026
9:00 AM-3:00 PM at Farmers State Bank
We STRONGLY encourage you to pick up your race packet in advance. Anyone who picks up their packet in advance will be able to take advantage of a priority entrance.
| REGISTRATION FEES | ||
| Adult: 5K Runner or Walker | ages 18+ | $30 |
| Teen: Runner or Walker | ages 13-17 | $15 with a registered adult |
| 1.5 mile Walk, Roll, Stroll or Attendee | all ages | Donations accepted |
* Anyone who registers prior to March 1st will receive a free event t-shirt. Those who register after March 1st will only receive a free event t-shirt subject to availability.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
To become a sponsor, contact Brandon Jones at 318.692.0523
or email centermissionarybc@gmail.com.
Superhero $1000
- Large Company logo on back of race t-shirts
- Placement of sponsors’ promotional merchandise or materials in race packets
- Recognition on Facebook, RunSignUp.com, and centermbc.org
- Your company banner to be displayed at the event
Gold Hero $500
- Medium company logo on back of race t-shirts
- Placement of sponsors’ promotional merchandise or materials in race packets
- Recognition on Facebook, RunSignUp.com, and centermbc.org
Silver Hero $300
- Small logo on back of race t-shirts
- Placement of sponsors’ promotional merchandise or materials in race packets
- Recognition on T-Shirts, Facebook, RunSignUp.com, and centermbc.org
Bronze Hero $200
- Company or individual name on back of race t-shirts if there is room. Otherwise, Bronze Hero names will be printed on a card and placed inside race packets.
* Donations under $200 cannot be acknowledged on the race t-shirts due to space limitations but are very much appreciated and will help meet the needs of families impacted by ASD.