Welcome to St. Gerard House

Join St. Gerard House for our 12th Annual First Words of Hope Luncheon on April 27, 2022 at 12:00 PM

Please arrive at 11:45 to get parked and inside. Shuttles will be provided.

First Words of Hope is our annual fundraising luncheon that serves as the largest source of unrestricted funds. Its title, First Words of Hope, represents many things. It refers to our firm commitment to lift each individual we serve to reach their highest potential, and pays homage to one of the greatest blessings we receive through our work: the opportunity to witness a child communicate successfully for the first time.

Please join us on April 27th to learn more about the St. Gerard House and how you can support a child, or family impacted by Autism.

Please download the 2022 Pledge Form for more giving options.

Be The Difference

This year we continue to build on creating sustainable partnerships with our donor community. We ask you to consider a monthly reoccurring gift. Become a Difference Maker! Monthly financial contributions ensure the future of St. Gerard House and our ability to serve as many clients as possible. Autism care isn't cheap and not all services are covered by insurance like our Feed The Need program. To make services attainable 80% of our clients receive subsidy for their treatment.

Why Joining a Community of Faithful Friends Might Be Right For You

Fiscal Responsibility
St. Gerard House holds a 100% Encompass Rating from Charity Navigator, a third party charity watchdog organization. Visit charitynavigator.org to learn more.

Service Excellence
SGH received its Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation in 2020 and continues to be a Division of Childhood and Early Education (DCDEE) certified 5-star child care center. As members of The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) our staff is constantly developing professionally and improving the quality care we provide.

Leaders in the Field of Autism Care
ABA is the gold standard for Autism treatment and is the backbone of all we do. Further, we care for the whole individual and their caregivers providing individualized support for every client. SGH is the only comprehensive autism center in Western North Carolina offering a continuum of care from diagnosis to adulthood.

Greater Need Than Ever Before
Autism rates continue to rise at an alarming rate. The CDC states that 1 in 39 children in NC has a diagnosis of Autism.

Event Sponsors

Thank you to the community sponsors who support SGH through our First Words of Hope luncheon.

About St. Gerard House

St. Gerard House opened its doors in 2010 with a mission to help individuals with autism and their families experience more joy and meaningful life outcomes. The autism rate continues to rise steadily - now 1 in 40 children are on the spectrum. As demand for services outpaced capacity, SGH maintained its dedication to quality autism care and expanded programming to include opportunities for older children, teens, and young adults. SGH has experienced a 5-year growth rate averaging 33.5% annually and it is not slowing down - even during a pandemic. St. Gerard House is seen as a leader in the Autism field. SGH is the only non-profit, comprehensive Autism center in WNC offering a continuum of care from diagnosis through adulthood.

St. Gerard House uses Applied Behavior Analysis therapy (ABA) as the backbone of all our programming. ABA is the gold standard for autism treatment. By encountering learning strategies like reinforcement, prompting, and generalizing in systematic ways, individuals with ASD acquire skills and replace problem behaviors with more functional ones. SGH’s approach includes 1:1 client/therapist ratios, small group learning, assessments, parent training, year-round services, and an atmosphere of joy and acceptance. Children, teens, and young adults gain skills necessary to increase self-sufficiency and participate in the community in a meaningful way, interactions with typically-developing children, and a family-centered approach. We are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and services for a family to thrive with a diagnosis of autism.

For questions or to become a sponsor, please email Callie Davis, Director of Development and Community Engagement at callie.davis@stgerardhouse.org or call our office (828)693.4223

12th Annual First Words of Hope Luncheon

By St Gerard House

12th Annual First Words of Hope Luncheon

Team Members