Urban Autism Solutions receives $20,000 grant from the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund

Urban Autism Solutions receives $20,000 grant from the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund

Urban Autism Solutions has received a $20,000 grant from
the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund to support STEM-focused learning
opportunities at Growing Solutions Farm. The grant will help
the farm maintain its busy production schedule while providing
high-quality instruction to young adults with autism and related
challenges who learn about urban agriculture and acquire transferrable job skills at the farm.

“The Albert Pick, Jr. Fund is pleased to partner with Urban Autism Solutions to support its Growing Solutions Farm, says Iris Krieg, executive director of the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund. “The farm gives young adults with autism and related challenges an incredible opportunity to learn in a positive environment where their assets are valued and they are presented with exciting opportunities for their futures.”

Growing Solutions Farm is a 1.2-acre produce farm on Chicago’s
West Side run by Urban Autism Solutions. The farm offers produce through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription and through weekly farm stands. It also donates 20 percent of the harvest to local food banks through Grace Seeds Ministry.

Transition-aged (16 – 22 years old) students with autism and related challenges from West Side Chicago public high schools learn through hands-on experience as they work at the farm while gaining transferrable job skills such as following directions, working as a team, getting to work on time, interacting effectively with co-workers and managing work tasks and schedules.

Guided by our lead grower, participants learn everything about urban agriculture including light construction, food safety and sanitation, how to plant and maintain crops, create nutrient-rich compost and how to harvest, wash and package food for sale at our farm stands, through our CSA and to small businesses, restaurants and wholesalers.

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