Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. (Photo courtesy Rich Harvest Farms)

Jerry Rich is long known for his support of golf and his world-renowned Rich Harvest Farms course.

Now the Sugar Grove entrepreneur is offering a lift to adults with autism.

Rich has partnering with the Lisle-based Giant Steps organization to construct a state-of-the-art independent living center for people with autism at the Rich Harvest property.

The “Canopy” project plans include a community center and residential component offering both independent and supported living arrangements.

The vision includes autism-specific living in two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages to support residential needs of autistic adults.

Plans also call for work settings to allow adults with autism to gain lifelong work experience in a wide variety of environments — tending the horses at the stables, harvesting vegetables in the on-site garden, food service and hospitality opportunities, housekeeping, administrative office experience — all based on the adult’s individual strengths and interests.

“Giant Steps is enormously grateful to Jerry Rich for opening his heart and his home to these young adults with autism,” said Bridget O’Connor, CEO and president of Giant Steps. “We are convinced that while he is currently known for his top rated golf course, going forward it will for being such a good friend to people with autism.”

But even the scope of the International Crown might pale to Rich’s most-recent endeavor: an ambitious partnership with Lisle-based Giant Steps and construction of a state-of-the-art independent living center for people with autism.

It’s called “Canopy,” and it’s not hyperbole to suggest that there might be nothing else exactly like it in the world.

“Giant Steps is enormously grateful to Jerry Rich for opening his heart and his home to these young adults with autism,” said Bridget O’Connor, CEO and president of Giant Steps. “We are convinced that while he is currently known for his top rated golf course, going forward it will for being such a good friend to people with autism.”

Canopy already is operating an adult day program at the Rich Harvest Farms estate, providing a wide variety of leisure and work experience for the participants.

— Rich Harvest Farms working with autistic adults group —