Planting a Seed

 
 
 
 
 
 

As part of Mintz & Hoke's Success Stories Campaign

At first blush, Pinchbeck's Rose Farm of Guilford is a local grower with a reputation for world-renowned roses. In July 2009, Pinchbeck began cultivating something more. Vocational training and employment opportunities for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, thanks, in part, to Jim Lyman.

Prior to joining Farm Family Insurance as a multi-line agent, Jim worked at the family-owned Connecticut landmark, Lyman Orchards. The hands-on experience gleaned at the orchard helped Jim shape Roses For Autism, but the initiative grew out of a father's concern for his son's future. "As a parent of an autistic child, I wanted to make sure Eli could find work once he's out of school."

A hybrid for change

Roses For Autism is a collaboration among Pinchbeck's Rose Farm, operated by Growing Possibilities, as well as Connecticut's Ability Beyond Disability and the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center. The program is changing perceptions about the abilities of people with autism spectrum disorders while helping the farm better compete with imported growers. Jim envisions Roses For Autism becoming a model for other agricultural firms to provide similar opportunities to this unique population.

Fertile ground

Ability Beyond Disability offered initial funding for the program. Stimulus money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) made it possible for Connect-Ability partners to provide:

  • a Summer Youth Program
  • an ongoing Working Interview to ensure that job and candidate are the right match
  • Youth Counseling and Employer Support via the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)

The Bureau of Rehabilitative Services is helping Growing Possibilities create a more diverse, inclusive environment. Working together, the hope is that Pinchbeck's Rose Farm will employ as many 25 individuals with autism spectrum disorders while ensuring a profitable enterprise.

According to Jim, "Everybody has skill sets. Everybody can contribute in different ways. Just get started. It doesn't have to be perfect." It's been said nothing is perfect except, perhaps, a rose in bloom and a chance at success.