On Saturday, November 3, hundreds of volunteers descended on the two Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) locations in Phoenix, where Valley Partnership held its 25th annual Valley Partnership Community Project Event Day to support this local Valley charity.
This year, SARRC was chosen among a distinguished group of charitable organizations around the Phoenix area. SARRC was established in 1997, with a mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families. SARRC provides clinical, educational, and vocational training and support services.
The SARRC facility located on 16th Street north of McDowell had a landscaping makeover in which old and tired grass was removed and replaced with new planter beds, walkways and garden sculptures. Additionally, the perimeter wall mural was expanded, tons of new vegetation were planted, and a new rock garden wall was erected. These improvements not only add beauty to the facility but expand the training and therapy potential for the SARRC clients.
At the 18th Street and Van Buren facility, the toddler courtyard was overhauled. A beautiful new mural as added to one wall as seen behind RLG’s own Carolyn Oberholtzer in the photo. Astroturf was removed and replaced with raised planter beds to house real vegetation. In addition, new pavers were installed to add texture and beauty to the area and new storage sheds were erected to house the toys and planting tools.
The Valley Partnership Community Team raised more than $80,000 in cash and in-kind donations to make these improvements possible, and the event was a great success.
For more information on SARRC and for information on Valley Partnership.
