We recently connected with Sarah Caples and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose wasn’t a single “aha” moment. It was something that slowly revealed itself through listening, paying attention, and being willing to step into discomfort.
Like many people, I spent a long time trying to fit my purpose into what I thought it should look like. I stayed busy, worked hard, and did meaningful things, but there was still a quiet feeling that something was missing. It wasn’t until I started paying closer attention to what consistently moved my heart that things became clearer. I noticed that the moments that stayed with me weren’t awards or accomplishments. They were conversations with families, stories of struggle and resilience, and the times I could step in and help, even in small ways.
My purpose began to take shape when I stopped asking, “What am I good at?” and started asking, “Who do I feel called to show up for?” The answer kept pointing me toward families navigating autism. These are families who love deeply, advocate fiercely, and often feel overwhelmed and unseen. Seeing the financial, emotional, and practical barriers they face ignited something in me that I couldn’t ignore.
Joining Ag for Autism wasn’t about having everything figured out. It came from recognizing that purpose often grows through action, not certainty. I learned that purpose doesn’t require perfection. It requires willingness. Willingness to listen, to learn, to try, and to stay when things get hard.
Over time, my purpose has become clearer through consistency. Showing up again and again. Building relationships. Celebrating small wins. Watching the impact ripple outward in ways I never could have planned. Purpose, for me, isn’t just about passion. It’s about responsibility. It’s choosing to use what I’ve been given to serve others in a way that creates real, tangible change.
I’ve learned that purpose isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s quiet, persistent, and patient. And when you find it, it doesn’t feel like pressure. It feels like alignment. Like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, doing work that matters, even on the hard days.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I currently serve as the Executive Director of Ag for Autism, where my day-to-day work centers on connecting with local businesses, partners, families, and the broader community to spread awareness of our mission. I help plan and coordinate events, keep things organized behind the scenes, and work to ensure our organization continues to grow in a meaningful and sustainable way. I was drawn to this role both professionally and personally. Ag for Autism’s connection to the agriculture industry immediately resonated with me, as I was raised in a farm family and hold a degree in this field. On a deeper level, I felt a strong calling to do more for others and to use my skills to serve people in a way that truly matters. Ag for Autism is a nonprofit made up of local businesses and community members who come together to support children with autism in our area. Throughout the year, we host fundraising events and then grant those funds back to families annually in the form of speech tablets, communication devices, sensory items, and other tools that help children and their families thrive. What feels most special about this work is the impact. Hearing directly from families and knowing how appreciated and supported they feel reminds us why this work is so important. Ag for Autism fills a unique niche, and there truly isn’t another nonprofit like it in our region. Our hope is that families navigating life with autism feel seen, heard, and deeply loved. There are often not enough resources or guidance when a diagnosis is first given, and we want to be a place of open arms, encouragement, and support every step of the way. We have many exciting things ahead, and while my to-do list seems to grow by the day, my heart is incredibly full. Our next major event is our Super Bowl Bash, which will be our fifth annual and largest event of the year, bringing in over $200,000 to give back directly to our local community. At the heart of everything we do is a simple goal: to show up consistently, love boldly, and make sure families know they are not walking this journey alone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, one of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been having a personable and compassionate personality. In this line of work, it’s essential to have a caring heart and the ability to truly listen to understand, rather than just reply. While I had some exposure to autism, I didn’t know everything I needed to know when I started, but I was willing—and eager—to learn. I approached this role with the mindset that I would grow alongside the families I serve, learning from their experiences and adjusting as needed. Compassion has been an incredible guide; sometimes showing up with empathy and care goes further than any technical knowledge or skill ever could. My advice for anyone early in their journey is to embrace curiosity, stay open to learning, and never underestimate the power of genuine compassion. Being willing to listen, learn, and grow alongside others is what makes the biggest impact.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We are always looking for partners and collaborators, and any way that people can help us spread the word about Ag for Autism is incredibly valuable. We love working with local businesses in creative ways, whether it’s restaurants hosting give-back nights, bowling alleys holding special “sensory hours” for children who are sensitive to loud noises and crowds, or any other community-driven events. We are also excited to connect with influencers who feel led to support our mission through donations or awareness campaigns. There are many ways to get involved—folks can use the Connect tab on our website at agforautism.org, email me personally at [email protected]
, reach out on our social platforms (Facebook: agforautism, Instagram: agforautism), or call or text us at 870-573-4874. We’re always eager to partner with anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families navigating autism.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agforautism.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/agforautism
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/agforautism
Image Credits
Moments by Max Photography
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