East Bay nonprofit Joshua's Gift recognized by L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth

FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) -- Mizpah Brown-Rich has a gift. Her son Joshua. He lives with autism and Mizpah's foundation, Joshua's Gift, works with other families living with similar challenges. Joshua is worth it and so is Mizpah.

"We have an amazing son called Joshua. Joshua was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of two-and-a-half years old. We had no idea what autism was, didn't have a clue. That's when we learned more about autism. That was really scary for us. We decided to start Joshua's Gift and name it affectionately after Joshua," said Mizpah Brown-Rich, Founder and CEO of Joshua's Gift Foundation.

The foundation now supports thousands of families around the Bay Area that are living with autism. Joshua's gift helps families attend gatherings and social events without barriers. This allows families living with these challenges to gain easier access and helps navigate otherwise difficult environments.

"Fast tracking them through crowds. A baseball game or a football game or taking them to a restaurant, to have the opportunity to show society, hey, we are here. We want to be accepted, we want to be respected, we want to be included and treated with dignity and respect. That was our mission and our goal, and it still is today," added Brown-Rich.

Mizpah was among the 10 female nonprofit leaders honored by the 2025 L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Program. The award recognizes women providing mentorship and community and honors them as grassroot changemakers.

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"When I met the women that were in my class, I was in awe of them. The work that they're doing, the impact that they're making, the lives that they're changing was incredible. It's become a sisterhood," recalled Brown-Rich.

Inside Joshua's Gift Foundation is Code Joshua, an emergency alert system to help law enforcement handle situations related to autism. The system has helped to train thousands of officers, firefighters, and first responders. The goal being education and an understanding of the challenges families face with autism.

"Law enforcement officers are also human beings that are very compassionate, very caring, when they took that oath, they are living it. They need it and they stand by it, and they show it to our communities," added Brown-Rich.

Mizpah, her husband and Joshua live in Freemont and continue to help families living with autism. Her message is clear.

"You are not alone. I want everyone out there that has received the diagnosis of their daughter or son, on the autism spectrum, you are not alone," said Brown-Rich.

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