The HELP Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is planning to break ground on the site of their new greenhouse facility in Euclid. The foundation officially began in the 1960s and has grown to have multiple facilities in Euclid, Lakewood, and Northfield that assist mentally disabled clients of all ages with summer programming, day services, and vocational training.
The ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. July 15 at the future greenhouse location, 22701 Shore Center Drive in Euclid. The greenhouse will be located next to the HELP Foundation's existing adult day services building next door.
According to HELP Foundation CEO Tami Honkala, the new greenhouse will help with their vocational training programs, teaching the clients important work and social skills to prepare them for outside employment opportunities.
While they learn the curriculum, they can also get paid to work at the greenhouse growing their own fresh fruits and vegetables. "We're super proud of it," Honkala said of the new greenhouse. "It's a vocational program just like you would have in high schools, but it's for individuals with mental disabilities," she added.
Once the greenhouse is completed, Honkala said, HELP Foundation is planning on partnering with the Euclid Schools' urban agriculture career tech program, which has a small farm in Euclid as well, to allow its high school students to come learn hydroponics.
To register to attend the greenhouse groundbreaking ceremony, visit www.helpfoundationinc.org/we-are-growing-our-mission/.
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