Foundation awards grant to Tyrone school

The Heritage Community Foundation presented a $5,000 grant July 22 to director Heidi Johnson and associate director Abbie Huber of ClearWater Academy in Tyrone.

It will be applied toward providing Outdoor Recreation Adventures therapy (ORA) for the students. This type of therapy is an essential part of the school’s curriculum.

During the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, students between the ages of 6-15 will attend Outdoor Recreation Adventures therapy in small groups each week under the direction of the ORA therapist along with a ClearWater Academy staff member.

ORA provides safe, exciting, and challenging therapeutic programs to specifically address the various emotional, social, and sensory needs of students with special needs. Productive and stimulating settings include but are not limited to hiking, low ropes work, climbing, and team building games introduced by the ORA team. These activities create an environment that physically, mentally and socially challenge each child in an exciting and fun way.

Established in 2014, ClearWater Academy is a private, accredited, state-of-the-art, 501(c)(3) school for students diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, mild Autism, Language Processing Delays, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, PDD/NOS, and Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities.

For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, make a donation or volunteer, visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org or contact executive director at 770-478-8881.