Creative Arts
In addition to buying coffee and food at Second Street Sundries located at 221 North Second Street in Albemarle, customers can soon support GHA Autism Supports when they visit the online virtual gift shop featuring handcrafted glass works made by individuals served by GHA as part of the Creative Arts Program. “The online site is in the development stages to give the people we support an opportunity to market and sell their products,” said Beth Olivieri, Chief Development Officer at GHA. “Each product is unique in the design and color the individual chooses,” said Kyoko Rorie-Bruton, who serves as the Creative Arts Coordinator for GHA Autism Supports. The primary mission of the Creative Arts Program is to provide vocational and employment opportunities for individuals with autism. Included on the virtual site will be vases, sectional trays, coasters, candle holders and more. “This is a very rewarding and meaningful job for our individuals to have, because it allows them to see the project from when they begin with two sheets of glass all the way to the finished product,” Kyoko said. There are a number of handcrafted pieces that will be displayed throughout the Second Street Sundries Café and Coffee Shop. The program was initially developed in 2014 with a grant received from the Stanly County Community Foundation to purchase a kiln. The virtual store is currently under construction during the COVID-19 crisis. More details will be shared as information becomes available.
COVID-19 (coronavirus) Information
GHA Autism Supports continues to keep the health and safety of all individuals supported and employees at the core of all decision making. We have implemented the following safety measures:
- All group meetings have transitioned to utilizing conferencing systems.
- Strict visitation guidelines are in effect at all programs.
- We encourage temporarily replacing in-person visitation with telephonic communication to limit exposure at all sites.
- Second Street Sundries is currently offering curbside pick-up and ordering through the online system.
- We will continue to monitor all updates, and update this information accordingly. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these uncertain times.
UNC COVID-19 Toolkit – Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times >
Contact Us
Physical Address:
213 N. Second Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
Mailing Address:
PO Box 2487, Albemarle, NC 28002
Wilmington Office:
PO Box 4122, Wilmington, NC 28406
Phone: (704) 982-9600
Fax: (704) 982-8155
Wilmington:
Phone: (910) 769-1046
Fax: (910) 399-1780

GHA Autism Supports is licensed by the Division of Health Service Regulation of the North Carolina Department of Human Resources. In addition, GHA Autism Supports is nationally accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). ICF/IID homes are certified by the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance. GHA Autism Supports is a member of the North Carolina Association of Community-Based ICF/IID and CAP providers and the North Carolina Providers Council.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs).