Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Grants $25,000 to Catalight to Expand Autism Support Services for Rural and Underserved Communities
Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-980-3849
SEATTLE, Wash., Apr. 29, 2026 — The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Molina Healthcare of Washington (“Molina”), is expanding access to autism services in rural and underserved communities through a $25,000 grant to Catalight. The grant will support the Research Unit on Behavioral Intervention (“RUBI”) Parent Training Program, a caregiver-mediated program for children with Autism ages three to 14.
As many as 50% of youth with autism spectrum disorder have emotional and behavioral challenges. Rural areas of Washington State have significantly less access to support systems, making accessible, evidence-based training for families critical.
“Care for children on the spectrum is never a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Dr. Karen Bearss, vice president of caregiver mediated solutions at Catalight. “Molina has been a steadfast partner in our mission. Their support over the last five years has helped to bring this accessible model to hundreds of caregivers and parents across the state and improve care for Washington’s youth.”
With Molina’s support, Catalight will recruit five to eight clinical sites statewide, prioritizing rural and underserved communities and ensuring representation across Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Central Washington. Approximately 20 practitioners will complete RUBI Tier 1 training, with up to four continuing to Tier 2 Advanced Certification as “RUBI Champions” to support long-term sustainment at their sites. Each site will commit to enrolling at least 10 families in RUBI within 12 months.
“Molina is committed to providing resources for families and caregivers navigating complex health needs, including children with autism or other developmental disabilities,” said Dr. Jay Fathi, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Washington. “By supporting Catalight’s RUBI program, Molina is building a support system for families across Washington, so they have the tools to care for neurodivergent youth and ultimately provide a foundation for success.”
This grant builds on previous funding of RUBI programming, bringing Molina’s total commitment to over $75,000.
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About the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation
The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.
About Molina Healthcare of Washington
Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Washington. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Washington, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Catalight
Catalight breaks down barriers and biases to create a more equitable world so people with developmental disabilities can choose their path. Catalight provides access to innovative, individualized care services, clinical research and advocacy — all powered by intelligent technology. Backed by more than a decade of experience and a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, we are reimagining the way people with developmental disabilities and their families experience healthcare. Catalight’s goal is to ensure that individuals and families receive timely access to evidence-based treatment, including naturalistic developmental and language-based services, applied behavior analysis and speech therapy.