LOCAL

SECU Foundation provides grant for St. Gerard House in Henderson County

Staff Writer
Hendersonville Times-News
SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell presents ceremonial check to St. Gerard House Executive Director Caroline Long. [PROVIDED PHOTO]

The SECU Foundation announced support for St. Gerard House, a non-profit entity located in Henderson County which assists individuals with autism and their family members.

Foundation assistance is in the form of a $40,000 Capacity Building grant to help the organization with human resources development, strategic planning, fundraising, and financial sustainability.

During a special event held in Asheville, representatives from St. Gerard House were presented with a ceremonial check by SECU Foundation Executive Director Jama Campbell.

“St. Gerard House is thrilled to have the support of the SECU Foundation Capacity Building grant to hire our first ever human resources director,” said Caroline Long, executive director of St. Gerard House. “This was a top goal of ours so that we can position ourselves for necessary growth – we have over 75 children on the waiting list and we are committed to expanding our capacity.

"SECU members and the folks at SECU Foundation really understand autism and the crisis situation for families looking for help. We are so grateful to be working with them!”

St. Gerard House opened in 2010 with a mission to help individuals with autism and their families experience more joy and achieve meaningful life outcomes. The organization offers a wide array of programs and services, including a preschool, treatments and therapies, pre-vocational training and social skills classes.

They also provide training and supportive services to family members and others who are caregivers and integral supporters of individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

St. Gerard House serves families from an expanded region of Western North Carolina counties and has had families relocate to the community to obtain access to these services.