AACORN is a 501(c)(3) organization
Building Updates
Construction continued through the holidays and included the addition of ceiling and electrical work, plumbing, a furnace, ductwork, doors, soffit and fascia. Thanks to a generous monetary donation, the kitchen will be upgraded to commercial specifications. A new well was drilled and, as you can see, the siding is close to being completed. Work will continue through the winter. Look for more updates about the progress in this section or on the AACORN Facebook page.
Work on our new activities building (east end shown here) is progressing well on our property in Kalamazoo County's Pavilion Township and we can't wait to make it a great place for our participants to learn, interact and have fun. The property, on 34th Street, has several existing buildings that house animals, poultry and gardens, but the new building will be the heart of the AACORN experience. It will include a full commercial kitchen, office space, restrooms, and large multipurpose areas for the many indoor activities that take place at AACORN. It will also be a wonderful place for holding events that the community can take part in. Take a minute to watch our video to find out what this farm means to AACORN.
Wishlist
AACORN is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and as such your contributions are tax-deductible. Your gift will stay right here in Kalamazoo County and be used immediately to enhance the lives of adults affected with autism in your community. We are dependent on donations, both large and small, in order to build a successful agricultural community for adults with autism in Kalamazoo County.
Here is a list of items we are in need of:
- Tractor
- Four Wheeler
- Washer and Dryer
- Fencing and Fencing Posts
- Commercial Kitchen
- A New Site Plan With Paved Driveway and Parking
- Residential Seed Money
- Corn Crib with Garage Building
- New Greenhouse
- New Pick-up Truck
- Passenger Van
- Riding Lawn Mower
- Furnishings for Activities Building
- Endowment Fund
- Participant Transportation
- File Sharing Platform
- Web Hosting Platform
- Emergency Generator
- Air Compressor
- Microscope
- Fencing
If you are able to donate, please contact Liz Farner at 269-998-0101. Financial donations are also welcome, if you are interested in donating, please visit AACORN Donations.
Building Community
We see young adults who have not had many social opportunities choosing to hang out together like other young adults enjoy doing. This helps to build community among our participants.
Interacting with animals brings joy
There is no denying the value of the human-animal bond. Participants who do not have a lot of expressive language are able to be fully expressive with animals, who communicate in other ways too.
Expanding Options
Knowing that the choices for adults with developmental disabilities are very limited once they age out of school, AACORN provides a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Thank you to these foundations for their generous support of AACORN'S operations and skill-building program:
The Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
The Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
The Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Perrigo Charitable Foundation
Beim Foundation
The W.S. and Lois VanDalson Foundation
The Gary Sisters Foundation
Learn More About AACORN
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