Andy Abramowitz

Gloria Abramowitz and her husband Herbert had two children: Andrew in 1958 and Jody in 1962. Andrew suffered from what was much later diagnosed as Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by changes in a gene called Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1.  Gloria and Herbert found special school programs for Andrew, starting with nursery school, looking always for programs that could supplement what they provided at home. When Andrew was sixteen, they learned about a work-study program at Elwyn, in Pennsylvania, so they tried that. “It wasn’t what I thought it was,” recalls Gloria; “the program did not complement Andrew’s abilities or skills.” In 1976, when Andrew was 18, they found Camphill Village Kimberton Hills. Now almost five decades later, Gloria writes “…Kimberton was the perfect realization of our vision for Andrew’s future.  A work/living situation that was safe, had dignity, companionship, and purpose in life. Kimberton has never wavered from these basic principles…What can be better satisfaction than dining on the food you have grown from seedling to the dinner table! The villagers and coworkers set an example of how the power of community can teach all of us.”

Why is Camphill Village Kimberton Hills in Gloria Abramowitz’s will? She answers “To acknowledge my appreciation for the years in which it gave our son a good life, and continues to do so, and to know that it will be continued. We strongly recommend this to others.”