Sunday, October 14, 2007 — Sen. Richard Burr came to Stanly County Wednesday afternoon for a look at Carolina Farms, the working farm unit of GHA, Inc. that is home for 15 adults, who have autism spectrum disorder.
In addition to these 15, another 30 individuals with autism come to Carolina Farms daily for training to work a farm.
The 10 male and five female residents live in three five-bed room group homes and do various activities around the farm with the assistance of the Carolina Farms’ staff. Other facilities on the 20-acre farm include a potting building, greenhouse, fall vegetable garden and a barn filled with horses, goats and chickens.
Toured through the multiple facilities by Dawn Allen, executive director of GHA, Inc., Burr said, “Visiting Carolina Farms really highlighted the importance of the facility to many families in North Carolina.
“Autism is a difficult, complex spectrum disorder that affects nearly one out of every 150 children in the United States. Last year I was pleased to support the Combating Autism Act, which increased the Federal Government’s role in researching autism spectrum disorder.
“I applaud Dawn Allen and the staff at Carolina Farms for helping families cope with autism and for their efforts to better understand this disorder.”
GHA annually hosts professionals from Japan who deal with autism there and in turn Allen was invited to speak at a symposium in Japan this past April.
In addition to the Japanese, professionals from across America visit GHA to observe their teaching techniques.
GHA is a non-profit organization established in 1978. It has nine group homes, one apartment setting, in-home services, day services and more than 165 employees.
Construction on Carolina Farms began in June 2003 and has progressed in phases to its current status.
Contact Jim Lisk at (704) 982-2121 ext. 28 or e-mail snaponline28@yahoo.com.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
U.S. senator visits Stanly County
- Local News
-
-
World War II veterans will gather at luncheon
Stanly Community College (SCC) will host its 9th Annual WWII Veterans recognition luncheon May 29 in the Webb Student Center on the Albemarle campus.
-
Stanly County Family YMCA Awarded $25,000 Grant from ALCOA Foundation
The Alcoa Foundation has awarded a grant of $25,000 to the Stanly County Family YMCA to help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.
-
World's Largest Swimming lesson set for June 14
Stanly County Family YMCA serving as an official host location
-
Volunteers help United Way agencies, community during Day of Caring
On May 11, more than 80 volunteers gathered at various worksites around Stanly County to participate in the second United Way Day of Caring event.
-
City offers optional warranty protection
The city of Albemarle is introducing a new, optional program available to homeowners, provided through the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program administered by Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA).
-
Chamber members, elected officials help break ground on Richfield McDonald’s
The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce joined with local officials, clergy and business owners Thursday morning to break ground at what is to be the site of the fourth McDonald’s in Stanly County.
-
Manager proposes no tax increase; other rates may go up
Several changes are proposed for the upcoming budget year for Stanly County, according to County Manager Andy Lucas, who presented the recommended 2012-2013 budget during Monday night’s Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting.
-
Sheriff’s Office arrests sex offender, says he failed to notify it of address change
An Albemarle man is facing sex offender non-compliance charges after he failed to notify authorities of his address change.
-
IAC receives GM award for third time
For the third time in four years, International Auto-motive Components (IAC) was named the Supplier of the Year by General Motors.
-
Police arrest 2 on multiple charges
Two individuals were arrested after stolen property was found at a residence in Albemarle.
- More Local News Headlines
-
World War II veterans will gather at luncheon
