Meyer, Widlitz Applaud Expansion Of Roses For Autism Training Program

This information was provided by State Sen. Ed Meyer:

State Sen. Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) and state Rep. Patricia Widlitz (D-Guilford) celebrated the expansion of the Roses for Autism training center at Pinchbeck’s Rose Farm in Guilford at a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week.

Started in 2009, Roses for Autism provides training and employment for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program is overseen by Ability Beyond Disability, a Connecticut-based nonprofit that helps people with disabilities.

Today, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy joined Sen. Meyer, Rep. Widlitz and other leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of new, expanded space for the training program, retail and offices.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Roses for Autism received a total of $750,000 in state grants last year to help fund a major expansion project. The state grant also helped pay for a refrigerated transport vehicle for the roses and special “heat curtains” for the greenhouse to lower energy costs.

“Roses for Autism gives people on the autism spectrum a chance to showcase their many talents and gain valuable work experience,” Sen. Meyer said. “This is a smart investment into a wonderful program that benefits the community as well as local institutions like Pinchbeck’s Rose Farm. I thank Tom Pinchbeck for his vision in moving his farm in this direction and I commend Tom Fanning at Ability Beyond Disability and all the folks with Roses for Autism for their hard work.”

Proceeds from the more than one million roses sold annually go toward supporting vocational training and job opportunities for people with autism. Of the approximately 20 employees currently working at the rose farm, about half are on the autism spectrum.

To support Roses for Autism, roses can be purchased at Pinchbeck’s Farm at 929 Boston Post Road in Guilford, as well as online at www.rosesforautism.com or by calling 203- 453-2186.