Greenhouse a place for the 'aged out'

"Aged out" is a term used when people with special-needs reach 22 years old and can no longer attend public schools. These people are forced out of their familiar environments, resulting in boredom, loneliness and often no further educational opportunities.

Monica McQueen, whose daughter Amber has special needs, asked members of a special-needs support group for parents, "What are we going to do when our children turn 22?"

The group brainstormed and came up with an idea to form a foundation for men and women with special needs who are 22 and older. The group started the Murray Greenhouse Foundation, bought a building and refurbished it, upgraded the landscape, and built a 1,200-quare-foot greenhouse in the rear, using mostly volunteer labor and donated money.

Finally, after five years of working, the Murray Greenhouse is ready for business. An open house Saturday showed contributors, workers, parents and clients the finished product.

The main focus of the Murray Greenhouse is, of course, the greenhouse.

In the greenhouse, clients can learn how to grow fruits, vegetables and even flowers. They can learn how to prepare the food in the kitchen. The goal, according to McQueen, is to grow enough to sell.

"We want to get to a place where we're self-sufficient," she said.

However, until that time, clients are charged $15 per day.

McQueen said the greenhouse will give Amber and others a safe place to go to learn skills to be independent and socialize with friends.

The old house on the property has been refurbished with a craft room, a kitchen, a computer area and a reading room to give clients with special-needs educational experiences, life training and fellowship.

One former board member of the Murray Greenhouse, David "Ted" Eyre, was at the open house to autograph his book "You Can Always Call Me Princess," a story about his daughter, Shellie, who has Down syndrome, being crowned the 1997 Murray High School homecoming queen. All the proceeds from the sale will go to the Murray Greenhouse, Eyre said.

"It's just thrilling," said Norma Carr of the greenhouse product. Carr's organization, the Murray Rotary Club, donated time, money and materials. Carr said she has "a good, warm feeling" knowing those people with special-needs over 22 have a place to go.