NEXT IMPACT: Urban Autism Solutions

NEXT funded UAS’ Growing Solutions Farm (GSG), a 1.2-acre produce farm located within the city limits of Chicago. Learning all aspects of urban farming, from seed planting to customer service and cell phone etiquette, young adults work to cultivate a wide variety of produce, providing fresh vegetables to the local community. Participants also learn core soft skills including dependability and flexibility, asking for help and accepting feedback, and expected grooming and uniform compliance for the job site. the job site. 

During the grant period, UAS served over 60 individuals with autism and related challenges. These participants contributed to providing fresh produce to one of Chicago's most underserved neighborhoods and a designated food desert. The students actively participated in harvesting, washing, weighing, packaging, and preparing produce for sale. When interacting with customers, at least 85% of the students responded appropriately, demonstrating their communication skills. Those who did not respond tended to have more severe speech and language impairments or were nonspeaking. Additionally, a sensory garden was planted, offering a therapeutic space for the Illinois Medical District community.

THE RESULT

• 60 young adults with autism and related challenges participate in work-readiness skills at the farm
• 10 young adults with autism participated in activities at the farm stand or within our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project (greeting, packaging produce, conducting farm tours)
• 2 young adults with autism placed in part time employment