North Beach, MD – For three young men the Primo House is a big step on the road to independence. The one-story home, located in North Beach, fulfills a major objective for The Autism Project Inc. (TAP), an Owings-based nonprofit whose mission includes empowering individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
According to TAP Director Angel Gaither-Parker, opening a group home for young adults on the Autism Spectrum was been a goal of the agency for several years.
Momentum for the group home project started to build about three years ago. One of the first steps was identifying a location for the house.
“We chose North Beach because of its access to community resources,” said Gaither-Parker, who explained all three residents are in their late 20s and employed at area businesses, including Safeway, Harrington on the Bay and Breezy Point Grill.
“This beautiful home will serve some of Calvert County’s most important citizens,” said Commissioners’ President Steve Weems [R – At large] during a ceremony held at the house Tuesday, July 21. In addition to the county commissioners, North Beach Mayor Mark Frazer and two members of the town council attended the ribbon cutting ceremony/housewarming party.
Gaither-Parker explained on TAP’s web site that the independent living home has been named the Primo House in honor of her grandfather, who was from Sicily. Primo means “first” and Gaither-Parker confirmed it is the agency’s plan to have more than one independent living home for its clients.
The house has a fourth bedroom that is currently unoccupied. Gaither-Parker said TAP will provide the three renters with one-on-one counseling, group meetings, financial advice, cooking instruction, social opportunities, life skills development and vocational support.
“They [the three residents] have worked very hard with one another,” said Gaither-Parker. “I’m glad to see them enjoy life as young adults.”
Funding for the house came from several sources and various fundraisers.
According to TAP President Chip Gaither, several businesses donated materials for the project. Originally, TAP planned to have a modular home transported from out-of-state. However, “we were asking a community, a town to support these young men” therefore the workers contracted for the constructed project were all local.
“We’re proud of this house and what it stands for,” said Chip Gaither.
When asked what he likes best about his new home, one of the residents, Chris, said it was “being with friends and learning how to save money.”
For more information about TAP visit www.theautismproject.info
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
