Work in Shelby, North Carolina for the Developmentally Disabled

Developmentally Disabled young adults yearn for a place to belong, a paycheck, and a place that needs and accepts them. They can find just such a place at Aunt Marilyn’s Farm. In Cleveland County is a few acres of land that houses a farm-type setting where developmentally disabled kids, especially ones just leaving school, can find work and acceptance.

All of these kids, or young adults, are basically kicked out of school, with or without a diploma, when they turn 21, because of the laws in North Carolina. Many of these kids end up sitting at home with parents or they are placed in daycare-type settings for the rest of their lives. These kids have a lot to offer to just the right people – enter Aunt Marilyn’s Farm.

The Aunt Marilyn Farm center is now authorized and licensed to provide community-based services and community alternative programs through the mental health agencies in the area. The center services Cleveland, Gaston, Rutherford, Polk and Lincoln counties. The center got off to somewhat of a slow start but now has many customers who provide the funds to continue.

Whether your loved one is mildly mentally disabled or severe the center has something to offer. Firstly they have naturally-grown field crops, such as organic vegetables, that are tended to by the children and young adults. The goods are then sold in the open market with funds going back to the center and to pay wages.

There’s also a mobile lawn and garden service which includes landscaping crews, catering crews, and crews that do business and home cleaning. Every crew is supervised by a capable helper of the center. Whether you need your yard mowed or a weekly business cleaning they can handle the job.

For those who are not capable of working there is a day activity service where clients can participate in activities, therapies and other interests. The goal is to provide for any client, whether they’re interested in working or not.

The center has a retail store where local artists as well as clients can display and sell their crafts, paintings and other goods. There’s also a coffee shop that helps to pay the bills at the center.

Clients at the center receive supportive employment training in hopes that one day they will be prepared to work outside of the center. Other things offered at Aunt Marilyn’s Farm include nature trails, school and farm tours, and even a petting zoo. The petting zoo was an interest of one client and the program helped to get him set up with everything needed to run the zoo.

Kids and young adults, just leaving school, have few options. Aunt Marilyn’s is a place that accepts all those with developmental disabilities and works with them to help them achieve something in life. No one wants their life to be worth nothing, and that includes kids and young adults with disabilities. Knowing they have somewhere to go, as well as a way to earn a paycheck, is a relief to family members.

If you have a child that is developmentally disabled, and you live in the Cleveland area of North Carolina, consider taking a tour of the farm and school to learn more. Call 704-487-7777 to schedule an appointment. You’ll be glad you did.