Organization name: GHA Autism Supports

Purpose/mission: We create environments where people of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder are understood, valued for their diversity and are given opportunities to grow, as well as contribute to the community. It is our pledge to support people in developing an evolving blueprint for their lives, and we do that not by asking them to conform to our service array, but by creating and tailoring services to meet their expressed needs. With this process, we help to make a difference one person at a time.

Population served: People of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Services/programs/resources offered:

• • Carolina Farms:

    • • Carolina Farms is designed to enable additional individuals from the autistic population to realize a dream of living and working in a farming environment in beautiful Stanly County.

      • Carolina Farms was initially developed in three phases, with the final phase being completed in November 2005. Each phase involved the construction of a five-bed group home along with additional facilities that encompass the vocational aspects of life on the farm. Additional facilities for the Farm include a multi-purpose building, barn, two greenhouses, therapeutic riding ring, recreational track and swimming pool.

      • Carolina Farms also has a Community Supported Agriculture program and a creative arts program that employ individuals with autism that GHA supports.

      • Carolina Farms Home #3 is the site of a twice weekly “Cooking Zone”. Residents from all three houses at the Farm get together on Tuesdays and Thursdays to make or bake and enjoy all sorts of goodies and treats. Farm fresh eggs, herbs, fruits and other in season produce are used to make an assortment of tasty recipes. Everyone works together to complete various steps in the baking or making processes, and GHA support staff work closely with the participants, to ensure proper hygiene, as well as safe appropriate kitchen and cooking practices are learned and followed.

  • Morrow Valley Farmstead:

    • • Morrow Valley Farmstead will provide specialized services for aging individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities with a focus on age related developmental and physical needs, and care for chronic and/or debilitating medical conditions. Morrow Valley Farmstead will be a state of the art 10-bed home located in Albemarle, NC creating specialized long-term care for aging individuals with ASD and developmental disabilities that also have serious medical conditions.

      • Morrow Valley Farmstead includes a working farm, pesticide-free gardens, animal-assisted therapy, therapeutic horticulture activities, 24-hour health care services, telemedicine, progressive digital technology, electronic monitoring, and whole-person coordinated care. Morrow Valley is located on 50 beautiful and spacious acres at the base of Morrow Mountain. The facility has been designed especially for people with disabilities that need specialized medical care.

      • Morrow Valley Farmstead residents will have the opportunity to age gracefully and comfortably in an inspiring home environment that is customized for their unique needs and interests. Out of home medical treatment will be reduced by utilizing state of the art technology and in home care.

  • Second Street Sundries:

    • • Second Street Sundries, owned by GHA Autism Supports, opened on January 19, 2015 with a mission to provide employment opportunities for the individuals with autism that the non-profit agency currently serves. The café and coffee shop serves a wide variety of moderately priced food items for dine-in or carry out.

  • Creative Arts:

    • • In addition to buying coffee and food at Second Street Sundries located at 221 North Second Street in Albemarle, customers can soon support GHA Autism Supports when they visit the online virtual gift shop featuring handcrafted glass works made by individuals served by GHA as part of the Creative Arts Program.

      • The primary mission of the Creative Arts Program is to provide vocational and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. Included on the virtual site will be vases, sectional trays, coasters, candle holders and more.

  • Therapeutic Riding:

    • • Since September, 2014, GHA has offered an Equine Assisted Therapy Program for individuals with autism. This unique program allows participants to engage directly with certified therapy horses, and includes all aspects of horsemanship. Basic anatomy, grooming and tack education, cleaning saddles, chores, ground work and of course horseback riding are all part of this exciting, therapeutically-based activity.

      • Therapeutic riding uses equine-assisted activities for the purpose of enhancing a person’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. The horse’s gentle rhythmic movement helps increase the balance, muscle control and strength of riders.

Costs/requirements to participate:

• • GHA provides a variety of Medicaid and Innovations Waiver funded supports to children and adults with a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder who reside in the state of North Carolina.

  • If you are interested in consideration for potential services, please submit a completed Application for Services.

How families can access more information if interested in pursuing:

• • Contact info: 704-982-9600, ext. 200; GHAAdmissions@ghainc.org

  • Website: https://www.ghaautismsupports.org/

  • Social media sites:

    • • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHA-Autism-Supports-222977884463311

      • Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutismGha