HOUSTON, Oct. 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Representatives from the Just Energy Foundation joined staff and students at Garden Academy in West Orange, New Jersey, on October 27^th to officially open the Just Energy Sustainability Garden. Mayor Robert Parisi was also on hand to celebrate the event which marks the opening of new outdoor learning spaces for Garden Academy, a non-profit school focused on applied behavior analysis for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Ribbon cutting ceremony at Garden Academy School, West Orange, New Jersey to officially open the Just Energy Sustainable Garden

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb06795e-a995-44f6-b19b-884301757cf6

The $10,000 grant from the Just Energy Foundation enabled the building of two dedicated, wheelchair accessible outdoor areas, one being a garden in which students can plant and harvest vegetables throughout the year, and eventually host a small farmers market for the community. The second is an adjacent learning space where the students can work with their instructors on specialized educational programs.

“This is our sixth garden build in 12 months, and we couldn’t be more delighted to help bring this space, and the opportunity for supplemental learning, to so many deserving students and staff,” said Kandi Terry, Executive Director of the Just Energy Foundation. “It is very important to us that all students have access to the outdoor classroom and garden so that each one of them can benefit from the unique experiential learning that the spaces offer. We are so impressed with the work of Garden Academy and their commitment to ensuring all students have the tools and resources to achieve their fullest potential.”

“All of the students and staff are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Just Energy. Our new outdoor classroom and garden provide many valuable opportunities for our students and staff, such as learning where our food comes from and how to be good stewards of the environment,” said Dr. Laura Grow, Executive Director of Garden Academy.

In the summer, Just Energy Foundation partnered with Boston Cares and City Sprouts to build gardens at three schools in the greater Boston area - West Zone Early Learning Center, Henderson Inclusion School, and Donald McKay School. Click here to view a video.

The Just Energy Sustainable Garden initiative supports Just Energy’s commitment to investing in the environment while adding value to communities. The outdoor classroom cultivates an opportunity where youth can learn about sustainability hands-on. The goal is to leverage the merits of outdoor learning for students’ development, and help schools offer stimulating environments to transform the quality of learning experiences, and set the stage for future success.

About Just Energy Foundation:
The Just Energy Foundation was established in 2013 by Just Energy Group Inc. to help registered Canadian and U.S. charitable organizations secure the resources required to promote the health and well-being of communities in need. Funded entirely by Just Energy, the Foundation invests in local programs that work to enhance the quality of life in Just Energy's operating markets towards building stronger and supportive communities. Visit justenergyfoundation.com to learn more.

About Garden Academy:
Garden Academy is a non-profit, private school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Garden Academy provides educational services to children between 3- and 21-years old from North and Central New Jersey. The educational services offered by Garden Academy are based on applied behavior analysis and are highly individualized to meet the needs of each student and family.

Media Contact:

Just Energy Foundation
Nancy Donnaperna
905.670.4440 x71312
ndonnaperna@justenergy.com

Garden Academy
Devon Maloney
(973) 731-2030
devon.maloney@gardenacademy.org