State Rep. Patricia Widlitz, D-Branford, Guilford, presented an official state citation Monday to the Roses for Autism organization for its significant contribution to the autism community of Connecticut. Roses for Autism, located at Pinchbeck’s Rose Farm in Guilford, provides training and employment for individuals on the autism spectrum. Started in 2009, Roses for Autism is the first business endeavor for Growing Possibilities, a nonprofit social enterprise founded by Ability Beyond Disability that is dedicated to growing independence in the business world for individuals with autism and other disabilities.
Widlitz said the Connecticut General Assembly citation was given to Roses for Autism in recognition of “The vision you brought to fruition by creating this innovative program that provides countless opportunities for people with autism and other disabilities, the chance to learn new skills while gaining their independence through meaningful employment in the business world.”
“We commend you for opening the door and breaking down barriers for individuals who are challenged each day,” Widlitz said.
Pinchbeck's Rose Farm had been a Guilford institution since 1929 and with 150,000 square feet of greenhouse space they were once the largest rose farm in the United States. But state-side businesses have found it increasingly difficult to compete with blooms imported from South America. By 2008, Tom Pinchbeck, third generation owner of the farm, was going to have to close their doors.
Then along came Jim Lyman, who, with a son on the autism spectrum whom he wanted to see live a rewarding life, and a background in agriculture, had an idea how to put the two together. From this was born Roses for Autism, an innovative program that provides skilled labor for agriculture and the opportunity for those on the spectrum to learn the necessary skills to function in the workforce.
In May of 2009 the organization Roses for Autism took over the daily operations of the farm. Today, of the twenty or so employees currently working there, approximately 65 percent are on the spectrum.
With Tom Pinchbeck still the head grower at Roses for Autism, once again one of the two 50,000 square foot greenhouses is fully operational for growing. The 32,000 rose bushes planted there will produce close to a million blooms.
In addition to the roses being available for purchase at the farm at 929 Boston Post Road, Guilford, Widlitz said people now may buy them at http://www.rosesforautism.com/ or call (203) 453-2186.
“Buying roses from the Pinchbeck farm is a wonderful way for the community to make a contribution to this important endeavor,” Widlitz said.
Widlitz presented the citation as part of the kickoff Monday to the 7th Annual Autism Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.
Autism, a condition that affects as many as one in every 110 children in the United States, is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.
In the photo: Pinchbeck and Widlitz showcase a variety of roses as Tom Fanning, second from right, holds an official state citation and Jim Lyman, r, looks on.
Editor's note: This unedited press release is posted here as a public service.
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