How this nonprofit is serving the special needs community
Reading time: 3 minutes
Huntsville is home to tons of nonprofit organizations. Today, we’re spotlighting one that uplifts the special needs community. Keep reading to learn about Patterson Place, plus the experience of one of their members, Trent.
About Patterson Place
Patterson Place is a faith-based nonprofit organization where adults with special needs continue to learn and work. Their mission is to change the way the world sees this population by giving them a space to create and sell items such as jewelry, dog treats, wood art and more. The items are sold at local markets and University Pickers, with all profits going back into the program.
“In just two years, Patterson Place has grown from serving 5 citizens to 22—and we’re just getting started. Our 5-year vision is to expand into a residential community where adults with special needs can both live and work in a place designed just for them.”
Emma Clark, Founder and Executive Director of Patterson Place
Founder of Patterson Place, Emma Clark, started the nonprofit in honor of her brother with special needs, Robbie.
“Patterson Place is a little slice of Heaven on Earth. It’s a place where people like my brother Robbie can be exactly who they were created to be.
So often, individuals with special needs spend their whole lives trying to fit into a world that wasn’t built for them. At Patterson Place, we’re doing the opposite—we’re building a world for them. A community where they are fully accepted, deeply loved and encouraged to grow, build skills and live with purpose—just as they are.”
Emma Clark, Founder and Executive Director of Patterson Place
Meet Trent
One of the 22 individuals enrolled in the Patterson Place program is Trent—here is what his mom had to say about the impact of the program:
“We put Trent into a new day program that started in May. He works on job training to create dog treats, bath bombs, fudge and several other things. He’s not a fan of the beads for jewelry, but he loves doing everything else.
He’s doing things without hand over hand assistance. He is absolutely smiling every day when he goes to school and work. It makes my heart burst. ❤️”
Diana King, Flagship Program Director for Leadership Greater Huntsville
How you can get involved
If you want to help support their mission and locals like Trent, here is what you can do:
- Sign up to volunteer
- Make a donation
- Place an order for items
- Enroll individuals in the program
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
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