Photo: doTERRA provided funding for the construction of two specialized playgrounds at the UVA Autism Center in Orem, Utah.
doTERRA International has funded the construction of two specialized playgrounds and a sensory garden for children at the UVU Autism Center in Orem, Utah.
The Pleasant Grove, Utah-based direct seller of essential oils recently joined with leaders from Utah Valley University (UVU) and the local community to celebrate the opening of the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center on UVU campus in Orem, Utah, which features therapy and sensory rooms for counseling, diagnostics, social skills groups and family support.
doTERRA provided funding for the outdoor playgrounds and sensory garden, which are part of the 15,000-square-foot Autism Center. “The purpose of the autism center aligns with doTERRA’s mission, which is focused on empowering families and improving individuals’ health and wellness,” said Kirk Jowers, Vice President of doTERRA Corporate Relations and European Markets. “Our partnership with the Autism Center extends that focus to families here in our community.”
The two newly completed playgrounds focus on enhancing motor skills while encouraging children with autism to interact with their surroundings. The sensory garden features a variety of plants and landscape features that encourage exploration and provide tranquility.
“Utah is one of the top states for children on the autism spectrum,” said Jowers. “Having a fully equipped autism center here at Utah Valley University is a blessing for so many. Additionally, the education that teachers, families and the community will gain greatly extends the benefits of the Center. We are grateful for the opportunity to support and strengthen families through the incredible services and information this Center provides.”
The Autism Center’s mission is to bring help and healing to those dealing with various forms of autism. “The university is grateful for the generous donation from doTERRA to help make the vision of an autism center that will serve the community for generations a reality,” said UVU President Matthew Holland. “It is through critical partnerships with quality organizations like doTERRA that we are able to meet the needs of students and the broader community of students and families in Utah Valley.”
UVU’s Passages program, a series of noncredit college-level classes designed for young adults with higher-functioning autism, will also utilize the Autism Center. For more information about the Melisa Nellesen Autism Center, click here.
