About Us
Learn more about Mimi’s Mission and what we do
Mimi’s Mission is a local non-profit organization that helps Downriver families who have autistic children or adults. The goal of the organization is to provide unique programs and resources to autistic individuals and their families.
Mimi’s Mission provides assistance to families with autistic children and adults who live in the following Downriver communities: Allen Park, Brownstown Charter Township, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile Township, Huron Charter Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, and Wyandotte.
Helping Downriver Families Since 2015…
Mimi’s Mission started with a small act of kindness. Lisa Vilella, the founder of Mimi’s Mission was asked by a friend to help a young man graduating from junior high to find dress clothing for the event. The family had limited resources and was one of many working families in need Downriver.
On Facebook, Lisa put the word out that she was wondering if anyone had dress clothing for the young man to use for his graduation. The response was overwhelming! Not only did he get a suit or his graduation, but also another generous donor gave the family a gift card for dinner after the ceremony. People also came forward to outfit everyone in the family for this celebration.
This one random act of kindness evolved into what Mimi’s Mission is now. We became an avenue for people to ask for help and be given a hand up, not a handout. Mimi’s Mission provided a safe and easy way for community members to help people in need.
Since it’s beginning, Mimi’s Mission has grown to help thousands of Downriver families annually.
Mimi’s Mission is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that offers unique programs and resources to autistic individuals and their families.
We offer a hand up, not a handout at Mimi’s Mission. We believe in helping people who are willing to help themselves and need a little kindness and support. Providing a brighter tomorrow through positive community changes today isn’t just our mission statement it is words we live by. Everyone needs a little kindness in their lives and we believe it makes our world a better place to live.
Additional Information
Meet Mimi
Founder, Mimi’s Mission
Hi, I am Lisa Vilella, the founder of Mimi’s Mission. I was born and raised Downriver and have always wanted to help those in need in our community. My husband Jim and I raised our three children Downriver and we now have four grandchildren. My grandchildren call me Mimi, and Jim says I am always on a mission, so the name, “Mimi’s Mission” seemed only fitting for my non-profit. Mimi’s Mission was created, and in 2015, we became a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Utilizing community support, Mimi’s Mission continues to help many people. We concentrate on helping Downriver autistic individuals and their families.