10/30/2025
Thanks to the Gaston Community Foundation, Inc. Harold T. Sumner Professional Education Grant, our Lead Physical Therapist, Delane Clark, is pursuing certification in ConTiGO – Connection and Transformation in the Great Outdoors, a gold‑standard, evidence‑based approach to nature‑based pediatric therapy.
This grant‑funded opportunity not only supports Delane’s growth as a clinician—it will help our whole team grow stronger through shared knowledge, as she will train and mentor other therapists across our three farm locations.
Shining Hope Farms is the only facility in North Carolina with ConTiGO‑certified therapists, enabling us to elevate the quality of our nature‑based care while remaining committed to accessibility—accepting insurance and Medicaid so families of all income levels can benefit.
We’re also honored to acknowledge Harold T. Sumner, co‑founder of the Gaston Community Foundation and longtime leader in Gaston County’s nonprofit and philanthropic efforts. He believed that good citizens working together through independent charitable organizations are critical to improving quality of life in Gaston County. Mr. Sumner served as Executive Director, board member, and championed local philanthropy for decades.
Thank you, Gaston Community Foundation, for investing in education and nonprofit excellence. We can’t wait to see how this opportunity enhances our care model.
