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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 2009 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

Individuals at GHA have been enjoying the new pool.  The construction of the pool, on the grounds of Carolina Farms 4,  was made possible by Hudson Pool Distributors, Roger, Matt and Will Hudson; Independent Pool and Duraforce Fence, Damien and Paul Hudson; and Forrest Fence, Todd Forrest. 

Matt Hudson stated,  "It has been our privilege to provide an in-ground pool for the enjoyment of the individuals at GHA."   Damien Hudson commented,  "We applaud the work GHA does with individuals with autism and are very glad that we can be a part of their effort."  Roger Hudson said,  "It is reassuring to know there are organizations such as GHA and we look forward to great stories about how the folks are benefitting from the pool".  

Dawn Allen, GHA's Executive Director, said,  "We sincerely appreciate the generosity of Roger, Matt, Will, Damien, Paul and Todd.  Everyone will enjoy this pool for many years to come".

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 Rubber Duck Derby Set for September 18th—Adopt Your Ducks Today!

GHA fundraising efforts continue as we gear for the second annual GHA Rubber Duck Derby!  The event is scheduled for 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 18th at the City Lake Park off of Highway 73 in Albemarle.  There will be fun for everyone including food, face painting, inflatables and other games for children, cornhole and snag golf.  All ducks that have been adopted will take the plunge into City Lake at 2:00 pm!

A limited number of ducks are available for adoption by contacting the GHA Office at (704) 982-9600.  You may adopt a single duck for $5.00, a nest of ducks (6 ducks) for $25.00, a flock of ducks (13 ducks) for $50.00 or a duck flotilla (27 ducks) for $100.  Or feel free to adopt any amount in between or any number above and beyond--the choice is yours!  Information will be mailed out in early August outlining all of the event details, as well as adoption materials.

An exciting prize package is up for grabs again this year! The first duck to cross the finish line will receive $3,000 cash, the second duck will receive $1,000 cash and the ducky in the middle will receive $500 cash.  In addition, other prizes include gift cards for gas and groceries, just to name a few.

Mark your calendar and make plans to adopt your ducks and join us on September 18th!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION