The Campaign for a Permanent Home for Aaron's Acres
About Aaron's Acres
Established in 1998 by a group of Lancaster County parents, Aaron’s Acres serves over 300 individuals with complex needs across six Central PA counties. Supported by 350+ volunteers and funded primarily by donations and events, our work is highlighted by a summer camp serving over 100 participants.
Our Vision
To provide all children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the most innovative and unique social and recreational programs in an atmosphere of acceptance that embraces the individual and family.
The Aaron's Acres Difference
- Comprehensive, personalized recreational programs for individuals with disabilities
- Committed to responding to the needs expressed by our families
- Person-centered and family-focused approach to programming
- 1:1 or 1:2 staff to participant ratio for ages 5-21
- 1:4 staff to participant ratio for ages 22-40
- On-site nurses and professional staff supervision
- Completely independent local organization
- No one is turned away due to a specific disability or a family's financial limitations
The Campaign for a Permanent Home for Aaron's Acres
This $5.5 million project will create a place where individuals with disabilities and their families feel like they belong, where they can embrace possibilities beyond disabilities. With your support, a successful campaign will position Aaron’s Acres to pledge never to turn away a participant due to challenges created by disability or financial limitations. The project will be funded through a (minimum) $4 million campaign along with Aaron’s Acres’ resources and wise borrowing.
Prepared for the Future
Aaron’s Acres has built a strong financial foundation, and our leadership has developed an operating plan that will allow the organization to grow and thrive in our new building. Increased services to the young adult community will position us to apply for new funding from area foundations, businesses, and individuals. New grant opportunities will be pursued. Expanded programming will also increase earned revenue from program fees charged to participants. This campaign will also add funding to our permanent endowment fund which will help support programming and operations in perpetuity.
With a Dedicated Facility, We Can Offer:
- Daily or weekly programs focusing on music, drama/performance, crafts/games, cooking, fitness/recreational sports, yoga, and swimming adapted to the needs of those with varying abilities
- Parent-child classes that strengthen connections and provide new experiences
- Purposeful activities building common life skills, allowing for greater independence
- Opportunities for social interaction in a safe, supportive environment
- Engagement in community service projects so participants can give back and help others
- Educational sessions on issues experienced by families
- Respite and connections for parents and caregivers
Space to Embrace Possibilities
Currently our program staff spend hours finding and leasing venues for our programs, often having to work around each site’s schedule. Our 12,000-square-foot building will enable us to devote that staff time to actual programs scheduled around what works best for our families: young adults on weekdays, kids (5—21) after school and evenings, everyone on weekends.
We will be able to provide afterschool care for those who have aged out of traditional programs (typically after age 12).
Spaces for Everyone
The former sanctuary will become our large recreational space, while classrooms and an upgraded kitchen will offer flexible program spaces. Young adults will have their own hangout space in the lower level — a rarity for this population. Parents will have their own lounge and there will be plenty of room for our staff.
Staffing Up
Our new location will provide students at Millersville University and other local institutions with a variety of opportunities to work with us. Having one permanent, easily accessible location will help attract and retain staff. With ongoing programs and consistent schedules throughout the year, we will be able to offer employment and other options for those seeking more hands-on and paid learning experiences.
Our Own Pool at Last
Pool activities are a highlight for our participants while providing the benefits of aquatic therapy. In the swimming pool individual challenges fade away and all you see are children and young adults having fun. The large flat acreage next to the building offers the perfect spot to build an accessible swimming pool, pool house, and outdoor pavilion.
An Accessible Pool
A 25-by-20-yard pool will feature a sloped "zero-entry" end that gets deeper gradually as well as a lift to transfer an individual using a wheelchair into and out of the water. Adaptive equipment and our specially trained staff make it possible for participants to experience being in the water safely.
Healing Waters
Aquatic therapy can benefit our participants, helping us address their physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges. Water's buoyancy allows kids with developmental disabilities to move more easily, enhancing their motor skills. Individuals with autism learn how to process what they experience, reduce their sensory aversions, and improve their self-regulation.
Outdoor Program Necessities
A 15-by-20-foot pool house will provide nearby changing spaces and accessible bathrooms. A connected 60-by-25-foot pavilion will offer a shady site for countless outdoor programs in spring, summer, and fall. These are necessary because many of our participants face physical and medical challenges.
Pool Economics
Finding an accessible pool has been a challenge for the past two decades. Despite the significant investment, we are committed to building our own to provide participants with the water fitness and swim lessons they deserve. To offset costs, we plan to generate revenue by renting the facility to partner organizations with similar needs.
Donate Online
With your support, Aaron’s Acres can double our number of participants over the next 10 years, and will finally have a place to call home within this community!
Other Ways to Support
Gifts of Materials, Labor, and Equipment
Certain aspects of our renovation and construction projects could be divided into smaller tasks that can be completed with donated materials, labor, or equipment. Ask a campaign volunteer if you are interested in helping out.
A Multi-Year Pledge
Donor(s) may choose to make their campaign gifts payable over a period of up to five years with the completion of a written pledge form. In some instances, a longer pledge payment schedule may be offered to donors who request it in order to secure major naming opportunities.
A Gift of Securities
Aaron’s Acres supporters may own stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have appreciated beyond their original cost and may consider making their campaign gift with these appreciated securities. Often, such a gift represents a tax efficient way to support the campaign.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from IRA Accounts
By supporting Aaron’s Acres with a QCD, donors age 70½ years or older can avoid reporting the IRA distribution as taxable income. If you are age 73 or older and must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a QCD gift can satisfy your RMD without increasing your taxable income.
Planned Gifts
In addition to current gifts that will support the campaign, planned estate gifts are very important to Aaron’s Acres. There are a number of options for creating a planned gift either currently or through your estate, including charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, outright bequests, and gifts of life insurance.
Gifts-In-Kind
Some supporters may choose to participate in this campaign through Gifts-in-kind. Supporters interested in donating materials, labor, equipment, furniture, and technology should contact us to discuss specific items needed and the campaign value that will be assigned.
Gifts of Real Estate, Tangible Personal Property, Cryptocurrency, and Other Direct Gifts
Donors may hold other assets that could represent an opportunity to support Aaron’s Acres Creating One Community, Together Capital Campaign. We would be pleased to speak with you to discuss these and other options.
For further information about any of these ways to give or named gift opportunities, please contact Kate Mullen, Director of Development and Community Relations, at katemullen@aaronsacres.org or 717-917-6101 x5
Additional Resources