Jonesboro, Ga. (July 28, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Heidi Johnson, Director, and Abbie Huber, Associate Director and Coordinator Social/Emotional Development, of ClearWater Academy on July 22, 2016. The $5,000 grant will be applied towards providing Outdoor Recreation Adventures therapy (ORA) for the students. This type of therapy is an essential part of the school’s curriculum. During the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, students between the ages of 6-15 will attend Outdoor Recreation Adventures therapy in small groups each week under the direction of the ORA therapist along with a ClearWater Academy staff member. ORA provides safe, exciting, and challenging therapeutic programs to specifically address the various emotional, social, and sensory needs of students with special needs. Productive and stimulating settings include but are not limited to hiking, low ropes work, climbing, and team building games introduced by the ORA team. These activities create an environment that physically, mentally and socially challenge each child in an exciting and fun way.
Established in 2014, ClearWater Academy is a private, accredited, state-of-the-art, 501(c)(3) school located in Tyrone, GA, for students diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, mild Autism, Language Processing Delays, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, PDD/NOS, and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities. ClearWater Academy strives to be a national model for how students with learning differences from all ages and learning levels should be educated. Highly trained staff, therapists, community partners, and corporate sponsors support each student’s academic, social/emotional and therapeutic needs in a positive learning environment. Their ultimate goal is to create a school that respects individual differences, promotes communication, and supports all aspects of the student while preparing each for productive adulthood.
For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Rocky Davis, Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.
Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” The bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.
Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.
Photo Front left to right: Sheri Dockweiler, Stacy Hammons, Luann Daniels, Heidi Johnson, Director, ClearWater Academy
Back left to right: Abbie Huber, Associate Director, Coordinator Social/Emotional Development, ClearWater Academy; Jenny Smith, Rochelle Hehir, Rocky Davis
Standing left to right: Ellie Long, Sam Weinreb, Iris Lashley, Emma Mussell
