Get Involved
The ACRES Project can only exist with the generous support of our community.
We are a small nonprofit organization in State College, Pennsylvania helping neurodivergent adults grow, thrive, and achieve their dreams. Whether you're a local business, a college student, or an individual, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference!
Make a Donation
Did you know that approximately 80% of our annual funding comes from private donations? Each generous gift is crucial to continuing our programs and furthering our mission. As a registered 501(c)3, all donations to The ACRES Project are fully tax-deductible, and our secure donation page allows you to contribute in a way that works for you. Donors can send a one-time contribution or choose to have their generous gift automatically repeat every month (or at another interval) until they decide to cancel. Donating smaller amounts over time is easier for you, easy on your pocketbook, and adds up to a BIG impact!
Become a Workplace Partner
We are always looking for local workplaces in Centre County to participate in our OVR employment programs. This mutually-beneficial opportunity creates real world career building experiences for neurodivergent individuals, all while providing your organization with a qualified employee and strengthening the local economy. An onsite job coach is included and some programs can be participated in at no cost to your business and with no obligation to hire. If you own or manage a business and would like to know more about this program, please contact us for more details.
Intern at the ACRES Project
If you're looking for hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, human services, or special education, you've come to the right place. Because of our organization's small size, interns play a big role in shaping and implementing our programs. We are located just 5 miles from Penn State's University Park campus accept interns from all years and majors.
Depending on your interests and goals, an internship at ACRES might include:
- Designing curriculum for our programs
- Working one-on-one with individuals
- Becoming a mentor or employment coach
- Public Outreach
- Fundraising
- Grant-writing
- And many more possibilities! We are happy to work with you to design a unique internship that fits your goals and interests.
Many of our interns also choose to design and implement a special project during their time at ACRES. Designing new programs and providing sensory-friendly kits to local businesses are some of the projects pursued by previous interns. All internships are overseen by Executive Director Bella Bregar, who has over 40 years of experience working with special needs populations.
Work Study Opportunities for Penn State Students
The ACRES Project is a partner organization with Penn State's Community Service Federal Work Study program. This program allows eligible Penn State students (freshman through graduate school) the opportunity to make a difference at ACRES and in the community while earning financial aid toward their educational costs. These positions are compensated at an hourly wage of $14.00/hour and are fully funded through work-study awards. If you're a Penn State student interested in completing work study hours with us, please contact the PSU work study office at the link below.
Volunteer
The ACRES Project provides volunteer opportunities for all ages, interests, and abilities. We're glad to welcome sports teams, youth groups, student organizations, scouts, families, and other community members interested in sharing their talents to make a real difference.
Volunteer projects are only limited by your imagination, but examples include:
- Light yardwork/property maintenance
- Teaching an art or music class
- Building something
- Helping out at fundraisers and special events
Our current volunteer opportunities are listed on Volunteer Centre County. We also welcome new ideas and connections, so if you would like to suggest a new project, please get in touch with us!