My photo story focuses on an organization called Adults Creating Recreational & Educational Solutions or ACRES. They were founded in 2014 with a mission to provide a unique residential and day community that fosters independence, self-advocacy, and work/life skills for adults with autism.
The Board of Directors works with an Adult Advisory Group comprised of adults with a variety of autism spectrum disorders. This means that the programs ACRES produces are designed by adults with autism for adults with autism.
ACRES works to increase awareness of the challenges adults with autism face by educating the community. These outreaches include speaking to classes at PSU, handing out information during Autism Awareness Month, and hosting speakers. They also hold regular parent support meetings and panel discussions.
Just this year, ACRES was able to lease a two acre property on Bernel Rd, the former home of the Second Mile. This will expand their ability to accommodate programs like a transitional independent living arrangement, life skills classes, and social groups. The house will include a virtual reality job training and sensory room. A planned greenhouse using aquaponics will provide adults vocational skills and a source of income.
The mailbox at 2400 Bernel Rd, the new home of the ACRES Project. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
At the former home of the Second Mile, memories and paint fades. The home is now used by the ACRES Project, which works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
Bella Bregar, the Executive Director at the ACRES Project, looked out over the backyard of the property ACRES is leasing. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
A volunteer paints cabinet doors at the ACRES house. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
Lightbulbs and other hardware wait to be used during remodeling at the ACRES house. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
Mary Krupa, one of the Adult Advisors to the board at the ACRES Project, paints the counter at the ACRES house. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
Cathy Prosek, a founder of the ACRES project, deliberates options for baseboard colors. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
Cathy Prosek browses through baseboard colors. The Acres Project hopes for remodeling to be finished in May of 2017.
Ashley Harman, one of the adult advisors to the ACRES board, cleans up used cups at the Paterno Family Beaver Stadium Run in front of the HUB Robeson Center. ACRES works with adults on the Autism Spectrum to transition to independent living and learn vocational skills.
Cherish Crust 