The ACRES Project

The ACRES Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit located in the heart of Central Pennsylvania. Our unique team consists of autistic and neurodivergent people, educators, parents, and community members working together to help neurodivergent adults build a foundation for a productive, independent life. ACRES' innovative programs are designed by and for autistic/neurodivergent people and focus on the three pillars of vocational, social, and educational support. ACRES works with neurodivergent adults one-on-one or in group settings to build confidence, develop practical work/life skills, increase social capacity, and optimize their potential. Instead of fitting people into programs, we believe in shaping our programs around the people we serve. In 2022, ACRES hosted 13 different programs and supported over 150 autistic and neurodivergent people in Central PA. These programs included vocational readiness programs through Pennsylvania OVR, regular group instruction at local high schools, a thriving virtual/in-person peer support network for neurodivergent Penn State students, and myriad on-site programs fostering employment, life skills, creativity, and community for teens and adults with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. We are also proud to host ACRES Artisans, a creative entreprenerial small business operated entirely by neuerodivergent adults, as well as an on-site aquaponics greenhouse to provide job skills, horticultural therapy, sustainable food, and community connections.