The Ag for Autism Board of Directors is pleased to announce its 2016 grant recipients. This year, the organization was able to award 21 grants totaling a record-setting $91,000 to deserving individuals and groups exhibiting a need for assistance in autism related therapies and endeavors. In addition, last summer Ag for Autism sponsored the 2016 Autism Resource Conference hosting more than 200 participants for a day-long conference free of charge to parents, educators and therapists working with children on the autism spectrum. Ag for Autism volunteers have raised well over $300,000 since the organization’s inception in 2012.
Where Does the Funding Come From?
Ag for Autism accepts donations year-round and also holds the annual Ag for Autism Bracket Bonanza, a fundraiser centered around NCAA Basketball’s March Madness. This year’s event was held in March at the Arkansas State University (ASU) Convocation Center. The organization also partners with Make-a-Wish to hold a very successful annual event in Southeast Missouri.
Who Can Receive Ag for Autism Grants?
Ag for Autism grants are available to individuals and organizations, private or public, providing or in need of, autism therapy or services. Please visit the Ag for Autism web site at www.AgforAutism.org for eligibility requirements and to access an application. If you are part of an ag organization and would like to get involved, please call Daniel Pieroni at 870-886-0585 or Danny Graham at 870-240-5739.
We Are Pleased To Showcase Our 2016 Ag for Autism Grant Recipients
Brookland Elementary School
The grant will be used to fund a smart board and Chromebooks for the special education classroom.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are (l to r): Farm Credit Midsouth and Ag for Autism Representative Bessie Richmond, Chrisy Young, Sandy McCall (Principal) and Jennifer Jaynes (Assistant Principal).
Brookland Preschool
The grant will be used to purchase a therapy swing.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are: Farm Credit Midsouth and Ag for Autism Representative Bessie Richmond and Jennifer Easley (Brookland PreK).
The Center for Exceptional Families
The grant will be used to fund the Delta Initiative to help educate parents about autism in East Arkansas.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are: Ag for Autism's Matthew Harvey and The Center's Shelby McKay Knight.
Concordia Christian Academy
The grant will be used to fund an aide to work with students with autism.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are CCA Principal Kory O’Brien and Ag for Autism Board President Nathan Waldrip.
Equip Academy
For them, the grant will be used to fund scholarships enabling students to attend the Academy.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation include (l to r): Equip Academy Lead Teacher Angie Adkins, Equip Academy Executive Director Joanne Gurley and Ag for Autism Representative Miranda Russell.
Fox Meadow Elementary
The grant will fund sensory equipment to help furnish a new sensory learning classroom.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are Ag for Autism Representative Bessie Richmond and Fox Meadow's Michelle Neira.
Fox Meadow Intermediate School
The grant will be used for equipment to furnish a sensory classroom.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are: Ag for Autism's Bessie Richmond and Kimberly Young.
Greene County Tech
The grant will be used for hands-on task boxes.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are: Ag for Autism's Danny Graham, Tucker Ashmore and Greene County Tech's Susan Boling.
Greene County Tech
The grant will fund an iPad for Raven Davidson, a six-year-old attending Greene County Tech.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are: Greene Count Tech’s Susan Boling, Raven Davidson and Ag for Autism’s Danny Graham.
Greene County Tech
The grant will fund an iPad for Lexi Rudi.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are (l-r): Ag for Autism’s Danny Graham, Ginnie Rudi, Lexi Rudi and Brittney Tucker, teacher at Greene County Tech.
Jumping Jelly Beans Pediatric Therapy
The grant will be used to purchase Ready Bodies, Learning Minds. These motor lab kits that will help students with cognitive as well as motor skills development.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are (l-r): JJB's owner Jason Gardner and Ag for Autism's Miranda Russell
Manila Elementary School
Their grant will be used for an IPad, apps, and to create a quiet classroom corner with sensory seating for students with autism.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are: Ag for Autism's Mike Williams and Manila teacher Tracy Bohannan.
Trumann Schools
The grant will be used to fund sensory equipment for self-contained classrooms.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are (l to r): Jennifer Barbaree, Assistant Superintendent, Kimberly Cooper, LEA Supervisor, Ag for Autism Board President Nathan Waldrip, and Myra Graham, Superintendent.
Westside Schools
Their grant will be used to fund sensory room equipment and academic materials that will facilitate a learning environment conducive to engaging learners of varying abilities.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation include (l to r): Michael Graham, Principal; Scott Gauntt, Superintendent; Chelsea Watkins, Special Education Teacher; and Ag for Autism Representatives Bessie Richmond and Melissa Coles.
Wynne Public Schools
Their grant to fund sensory equipment that will assist students with calming and sensory diet needs.
Photo: Celebrating the grant presentation are (l to r): Ag for Autism Representative Matthew Harvey and Glenda Vance, Wynne public schools.
Grants Awarded For Which No Photo Is Available:
Autism Association of Northeast Arkansas
A grant to help supply consistent staffing for the Jonesboro, AR office.
ARC of NWMS
A grant to help cover the cost of camp for children from Northeast Arkansas to attend Camp BOLD.
Cooper Mason
A grant to help fund a trip for Cooper and his parents to receive training on the use of his new service dog.
Dean Doyle
A scholarship to attend UACC-Batesville (year two).
The Doni Martin Center
A grant for funding to help pay for wall paneling to meet fire code.
The Learning Center
A grant to help fund the salary of a behavior technician.
West Memphis School District
A grant to fund Shoebox tasks that aid students in overcoming organizational difficulties to complete their work successfully and with as much independence as possible.