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This year marks the 32nd anniversary of GHA's providing services to individuals with Autism in Stanly County.

Read the GHA Newsletter the GHAZette

(PDF File)

News Media contact information:

Beth Olivieri, Chief Development Officer

or Denise Drye, Executive Assistant, 704-982-9600

CAROLINA FARMS GREENHOUSE AND GARDENS

The greenhouse and gardens at Carolina Farms had a great 2010 season, cultivating herbs and vegetables to market at various outlets around the county. Fragrant dried dill, parsley and cilantro are best-sellers.

LOCAL AUTHORS

Maureen Morrell, a GHA parent, and her friend of many years, Ann Palmer, have teamed up to write a book covering their experiences of raising sons on opposite extremes of the autism spectrum.

Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned speaks openly about their journeys from early diagnoses, through adolescence to the day their boys leave home. They give moving accounts of each of these stages and the challenges they presented as well as the consolations and understanding they found along the journey.

Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum offers rare personal insights into the world of autism while giving practical guidance to those just starting their journey.

To order your copy of the book go to Jessica Kingsley Publishers

SPECIAL THANKS TO JEFF SHAVER & SONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF GHA

Jeff Shaver & Sons worked tirelessly to clear approximately three acres of heavily wooded land at Carolina Farms. Jeff Shaver, along with help from his two sons Brandon and Jeremy and two truck drivers, operated their state-of-the-art equipment to finish the task in less than two days.  This particular tract of land will be utilized for the future development of the Carolina Farms program.  In addition, Jeff Shaver presented a check in the amount of $2,000 to GHA to provide financial assistance for the ongoing programs for the individuals with autism that GHA supports.

GHA, Inc. is the recipient of a 2010 Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Community Seed Grant in the amount of $5,000 to establish “ The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Vocational Program at Carolina Farms.” This new program will create an on-site horticulture business that includes planting, growing and marketing the herbs and plants by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). “ We are excited to help Carolina Farms develop this entrepreneurial endeavor for adults with ASD and view the program as a role model for the creation of similar programs throughout the United States, “ said Linda Walder Fiddle, Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, a national autism organization with the mission to develop, advocate for and support residential, vocational, recreational and educational programs throughout the United States for adults with ASD. Through the generosity of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, GHA has previously received support for greenhouse and farming programs at Carolina Farms.  (Read the full press release.)

GHA RECEIVES A 2010 COMMUNITY SEED GRANT FROM

THE DANIEL JORDAN FIDDLE FOUNDATION

GHA was one of nearly 1,100 grant applicants seeking funds through the Pepsi Refresh Program during the month of December, 2010.  Last fall, GHA submitted the idea to develop a multi-purpose track at Carolina Farms.  With the extensive development of Carolina Farms presented the need for a designated recreational area separate from heavy-traffic areas.  The construction of a 440-foot circular paved track would allow for critically needed daily exercise regiments for the individuals that GHA serves.  Not only would it be utilized for walking, running and biking, it would serve as a designated area for skating.  Our idea was accepted and was placed on the world wide web for the general public to support through daily voting during the month of December.  In order to receive the $25,000 grant, GHA had to rank in the top 10 at the end of voting on December 31st.  Although, we were unable to secure the Pepsi grant funds, we gave it an excellent run with average rankings between 120 and 140 out of 1,100.  We utilized social networking through Facebook and educated hundreds with regards to GHA and the supports we provide to the individuals we serve.  Thanks for all of the votes!

GHA EDUCATES COMMUNITY THROUGH PEPSI REFRESH PROGRAM

Jeff Shaver (second from left) presents a check to GHA Chief Executive Officer Dawn Allen while standing in front of the Company’s latest purchase, a Bandit Model 2290 chipper.  They are joined by Brandon Shaver (far left), Steve Ford (third from right), Sales Manager for Bandit of the Southeast, Jeremy Shaver and Michael Forrest, Farm Technician for Carolina Farms.