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La Paloma Greenhouses Open House May 4 |
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Written by Jeff Radford
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Monday, 26 May 2008 |
The greenhouse operation on East La Entrada where developmentally
disabled people grow flowers and organic wheat grass will hold an open
house Sunday, May 4, 2-4 p.m..
Music will be offered throughout the afternoon, while brief talks are planned for 2:30.
The non-profit organization that operates the five greenhouses, ARCA,
has plans to add another for a related business venture, ARCA Organics,
this summer. Fundraising is under way for the $75,000 needed for the
new greenhouse that will allow the business to expand its product lines.
“We hope to partner with New Mexico’s farm-to-school initiative and the
public school system to supply quality organic greens and vegetables
for nutritious lunches for our city’s youth,” said spokesperson Sue
Sterling.
She explained that one of the existing greenhouses is dedicated to ARCA
Organics, which is a subsidiary enterprise of ARCA. The new greenhouse
would allow expansion of that business.
“The greenhouses employ individuals with developmental disabilities to
assist in the various steps of growing, preparing, packaging and
distribution of poinsettias, geraniums, hanging baskets, color bowls,
wheatgrass and pet grass,” she said.
ARCA was founded in 1957 by parents who wanted community-based services
for family members with mental retardation or developmental
disabilities. Its activities are governed by volunteer boards and
councils to provide services for more than 500 people in the metro area.
Stan Handmaker has served on ARCA’s board of directors for the past 10
years. He hopes for a good turn out from the community for the group
home and greenhouses on May 4. “ARCA has been a part of the Corrales
community for a long time, and I would like to thank the people of
Corrales for their support over the years,” Handmaker said, noting that
the organization’s greenhouses here have been tremendously important
for its success.
“ARCA has become the leading community-based organization serving the
developmentally disabled population in the state. This operation here
is one of its flagships.”
While La Paloma Greenhouses have been operated by ARCA for decades,
ARCA Organics was founded as a separate business entity in 2004. It
generates revenue so that the parent organization can decrease its
financial dependence on government funding.
Last year, ARCA Organics was recognized by the Greater Albuquerque
Chamber of Commerce as a winner of the 2007 “Duke City Dozen Innovate
Albuquerque” award.
Both ARCA Organics and La Paloma Greenhouses are projects that function
as part of ARCA’s Intercare Services which provides 24-hour
supervision for people with developmental disabilities in licensed
intermediate care facilities, such as privately run community homes
serving four to ten people.
The homes provide education, employment training, counseling, support
therapies, health care and recreational activities in community
settings.
The Village Council passed a resolution March 25 recognizing the
contributions of La Paloma, and declaring May 4 “ARCA Appreciation Day.”
Jim Douglas, ARCA Organics director, can be reached at 897-2184. The
greenhouses are at 181 East la Entrada, and are open Monday through
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
