USDA Rural Development is making one their most dynamic and impactful investments with their partnership with GHA Autism Supports Morrow Valley Farmstead.

The investment of $2.6 million into the home for aging individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities is a game changer, according to GHA Autism Supports Chief Executive Officer Dawn Allen.

The 50-acre farm is more than just a home for 10 people, in varying ages, who are autistic. It is a place where the residents can find joy and experience activities that enrich their lives.

On any day, a visitor will find the residents tending to plants and harvesting vegetables, feeding one of their goats or small horse or helping to prepare a meal.

“The investment USDA made into our farm was the catalyst that got it off the ground,” said Allen. “Without that money, we would not have been able to see this project through.”

Rural Development’s investment into the construction of the farm and the purchase of the furniture helped create a tranquil environment for the residents of the long-term care facility.

The furniture, which can be easily moved or shaped, enables the residents to make their common area fit the needs of the day or even the hour.

It’s not unusual to come in and see all of the chairs are facing each other, a square or rectangle, for music therapy or they may be singled out so a person can have individual time to rest, according to Allen.

USDA was also able to assist GHA’s ability to make each bedroom fit the medical needs of the residents.

“We were able to purchase beds that rise and lower to better accommodate individuals as they advance through the progression of their medical issues or age,” said GHA Autism Supports Chief of Health Services Lori Shue. “This helps so they are not pulled and tugged on and they are able to sit and stand beside their own. The beds do not look like a hospital beds, it still looks like a bed you would find at home in your bedroom.”

The Morrow Valley Farmstead is breaking new ground with care they are providing to people with autism including those who need additional attention to their medical needs.

The care provided at the farmstead reaches beyond four walls and furniture. There are many types of therapy the farm provides, from farming to animal interaction.

“We have a trained, certified, therapy mini horse,” said Shue. “He is trained to come inside, people touch and pet him. When people are having a bad day, the horse seems to sense it, and he comes over to them and nudges them so people will pet him.”

Having the therapy horse is revolutionary. It cuts down on the use of medications and other sedations. It gives the residents an avenue where individuals are able to express their feelings through touch.

“The objective of this program was to make the farm look as home like as possible but still to have the equipment and technology to handle medical needs,” said Allen. “We hope the example we have here will be the wave of the future for care for people with autism.”

There is no doubt that USDA RD makes a difference throughout the United States. It is challenging to see a more impactful difference than the Morrow Valley Farmstead.