Last Updated on April 7, 2023
Education is an important factor in your ability to Live Abundantly. But for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), small steps can feel like big hurdles. Thanks to St. Gerard House in Hendersonville, people of all ages with ASD are receiving the education and support they need.
Today, we invite you to learn more about St. Gerard House and how to help them meet their mission.
What is St. Gerard House?
In their own words, St. Gerard House “helps individuals with autism and their families experience more joy and achieve meaningful life outcomes”. Through evidence-based programs and treatment, they offer a “whole approach” for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other behavioral health needs.
St. Gerard House also provides training and support for family members, guardians, and teachers who care for these individuals. If you are raising a child with autism or related disabilities, their goal is to make sure you know you’re not alone.
What services do they offer?
St. Gerard House offers several main programs on an ongoing basis, including programs en Español.
The Grotto Center – The Grotto Therapeutic Center provides full-day, year-round therapeutic services and academic training for children aged 3–12 with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Grotto students receive individualized behavioral, academic, and social skills training.
Connect & Family Group Night – Their Connect program and Family Group Night provide opportunities for children, adolescents, and their parents to learn from each other, share stories, and build a support group. Connect is a summer camp program for ages 6–19 focused on building and polishing social skills. At Family Group Night, families come together to share a meal, then break out into small groups to share stories, play games, and gather resources.
Discovery – Designed for children ages 10–13, Discovery is a small-group educational and therapeutic learning environment. The program utilizes the principles and techniques of applied behavior analysis to build pivotal skills, promote learning, and establish motivation.
Feed the Need – Feed the Need is a prevocational training program for teens and young adults (ages 14+) on the autism spectrum. Participants learn varied skills in the community garden, their culinary program, or their art program.
How can you support St. Gerard House?
There are many ways to support the children and youth through these programs. But the primary ways to help the organization meet their mission are by donating and volunteering.
Volunteer – St. Gerard House is always looking for volunteers of all skill sets to help with day programs and after-school services. Your service as a teacher’s aide or art assistant, or working with meal prep or IT-related tasks, allows St. Gerard House’s trained behavior technicians to spend more time in direct service to children and families.
Donate – St. Gerard House relies on the generosity of others to support its mission. Mailed and online donations are welcome anytime. You can also assist by joining the Faithful Friends monthly giving program, where small donations of $10/month make a big difference.
Get more by giving back
Every day, Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks is impressed by our agents and staff for their involvement in strengthening community efforts through service and financial support. We encourage you to get involved, too..
Support local children’s causes now and in the future! Give of your time and money to an organization that means something to you. Reach out to St. Gerard House or contact your Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks agent to learn about local nonprofits in your community.
St. Gerard House
620 Oakland Street, Hendersonville
(828) 693-4223
