On September 10th, 2024, care farmers gathered to learn how Homefields Care Farm provides meaningful employment and housing to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community.

Homefields Care Farm is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to creating new life options for people who have disabilities. Hundreds of people who have a disability or other barrier to traditional employment have engaged at the farm, growing organic produce for community shareholders, and six adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities call the farm “Home.”

On the day of the farm tour, we met by the CSA building for a round of introductions. We learned about the history of Homefields from Allison Hawthorne, Homefield’s Board President. Then we headed out to the fields for our tour led by Farm Manager Andrew Phillips.

Andrew and his co-workers Doug, Cristian, Tony, and Christina showed us their perennial gardens, greenhouses, compost area, and annual crops in the field as they walked us around the farm. Participants asked great questions and we discussed how Homefields crew operates on a day to day basis, how they adapt their farming tasks to suit their team, and the successes and challenges they are facing in their work.

After the tour ended, we sat and chatted over a delicious dinner catered by Homefields and Koshary Station while we watched the sun go down. The group continued to ask questions of one another and share their stories, exchange resources, and bond over a great meal in a beautiful place.

We are so grateful to Homefields for hosting us!

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Pennsylvania Meetup in September

Homefields Care Farm is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to creating new life options for people who have disabilities.

• Tuesday, September 10th, 3:00-7:30pm
• Homefields Care Farm, 150 Letort Road Millersville, PA 17551
• Event Details Here

Minnesota Meetup in October

 21 Roots Farm is located in Minnesota and provides a place for children and adults with developmental disabilities to connect with nature, community, and dignity through farming.

• Saturday, October 5th from 11-2 pm
• We’ll enjoy a tour of the farm, which will include a demonstration of their apple cider press, and learn about the adaptive tools they’ve created to utilize on the farm. A light lunch will be provided.
• Event Details Here

New Jersey Meetup in October

A Meaningful Purpose at Reeds Farm was founded in 2020 to address the needs of food insecurity, soil regeneration, and community inclusiveness in Atlantic County, NJ. The farm operates year-round utilizing organic and regenerative practices, hosts a sanctuary for farm animals, and provides educational and vocational programming to local schools and organizations with a focus on individuals with cognitive disabilities.

• Saturday, October 5th from 11-2 pm
• We’ll enjoy a tour of the farm, Following the tour there will be an opportunity to eat lunch at Reed’s Farm Market!
• Event Details Here

The post Care Farm Meet-ups and Farm Tours appeared first on Care Farming Network.

Tuesday, September 10th, 4:00-7:30pm

Homefields Care Farm, 150 Letort Road Millersville, PA 17551

Cost: $10 per person

Register Here

You’re invited to join other care farmers to gather, socialize, and learn how Homefields provides meaningful employment and housing to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their community.

Homefields Care Farm is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to creating new life options for people who have disabilities. Hundreds of people who have a disability or other barrier to traditional employment have engaged at the farm, growing organic produce for community shareholders, and six adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities call the farm “Home.”

Details

• Tuesday, September 10th, 4:00-7:30pm

• Homefields Care Farm, 150 Letort Road Millersville, PA 17551

• The farm tour starts promptly at 4:00 p.m. Please plan to arrive accordingly. Dinner will be from 5:30-7:30pm.

• Dinner will be provided by Homefields Care Farm, Koshary Station, Rock Hill Ranch, and North Star Orchards.

• Questions: Please contact Kasey at CFN: kasey@carefarmingnetwork.org

This Care Farming Tour & Meetup is funded by a SARE Northeast grant. The goal of the grant is to increase employment and meaningful work opportunities for people with I/DD on farms. We hope that care farmers will feel more connected and supported as we build an infrastructure that includes mentoring, farm tours, and training opportunities for those involved in this work.

The post Homefields Care Farm Tour & Meetup (PA) appeared first on Care Farming Network.