Hoodland Women’s Club Corner
By Pat Zimmer, for The Mountain Times
MEMBER FEATURE: BARB AVILA
When Barb Avila’s son was growing up, they spent many happy family vacations at her parents’ place in Welches. “Fishing and hiking – we loved anything outdoors,” she said.
Then, when COVID hit, she moved up here to take care of the cabin while her parents stayed in California. “And because – why not?” she said. “You could live anywhere when everything went remote.
“It was the perfect time to write my book.” (Because – why not?) Today, Barb is grateful to continue to live in the 1928 cabin her parents so lovingly restored.
Seeing Autism: Connection through Understanding is the synthesis of what Barb has learned in her 40-year career working with autistic people. “My approach is a bit unique in the autism world,” said Barb. She works primarily with adults – parents of autistic children as well as adult autistics.
“The beauty of my work is that I get to see the kids grow up,” she said. She has clients she’s worked with for over 20 years.
It was a volunteer stint as a teenager, working with an 8-year-old child at a camp for autistic children, that set the direction for Barb’s life. “I was 17 years old, and I became more curious than I ever had. I told myself that I have to do this for the rest of my life.”
What she thought would be just learning all she could, though, turned into a vocation. And it’s a growing need. When she started, only one in 10,000 kids was diagnosed with autism. Today, it’s 1 in 36.
“Autistic people are way more capable than most people think,” she said. “Most just need more processing time than society provides. And there’s a lot we all can learn about slowing down, being in the moment, giving each other grace, not making decisions for anyone when you could just ask them directly.”
“All of the accommodations for people with autism benefit everybody. Which means it’s possible to fully include autistic persons in all settings!”
Barb is also committed to Hoodland Women’s Club. “I’m drawn to the primary mission of helping the community, bringing it together.” She’s served on the board twice, chaired the committee on policies and procedures, and now manages the website. “It’s nice to serve with my mom, too – she’s a member. I have met so many wonderful people through the Club.”
You may be able to find Barb playing board games at Coopers Wine Bar some Wednesday night. Her current favorite board game is Splendor.
GOLF TOURNAMENT WAS A SUCCESS
We had 31 teams join us at the 2026 Scramble for Scholarships June 26 at the Mount Hood Resort. The event netted $23,440 for scholarships. Thank you to all of our sponsors and golfers. And our volunteers – it takes a lot of woman power to put on this event.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Don’t miss the opportunity to expand your skills and grow your business with the HWC continuing education scholarship. Deadline is Aug. 31 to apply for $3000 in scholarship funds to purchase textbooks, licenses and certifications, workshops and much more to further your education. Applications on our website at www.hoodlandwomensclub.org
The second annual Harvest of Hope is set for Saturday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m. at Alpine Events. Join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, elegance, entertainment, and giving. Purchase tickets and donate items on our website. Last year’s Harvest of Hope raised over $13,000 to support our community.
JOIN US
We’d love to meet you. Everyone is welcome at our annual picnic Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. at the Wildwood Recreation site.
And become a member! Hoodland Women’s Club is open to all women that live on the mountain full or part time. Joining is simple. Just go to our website and click on “Join.” Membership dues are $25 per year.