Nestled on 428 acres of scenic countryside, The Lands at Hillside Farms is a historic, non-profit educational dairy farm with a mission that reaches far beyond its fences. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Hillside Farms is dedicated to teaching life choices that are healthy, logical, and sustainable—ensuring that future generations, even 200 years from now, have access to the same or better opportunities and resources.

Hillside Farms’ Care Farming Services provides a compassionate and healing space for children facing the difficult challenges of trauma. Since 2012, it has been a beacon of hope to the region’s children from ages 6 to 14, especially those dealing with various forms of trauma, including the painful loss of family members or challenging circumstances within their homes.

Addressing the trauma, a recent Center for Disease Control report on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is emphasized here. According to extensive research, damaging experiences may involve violence, abuse, or growing up in a household affected by mental health issues or substance dependencies. Trauma is not a fleeting affliction but leaves lasting effects on a child’s brain development and coping mechanisms.

However, recovery is indeed possible, and the Care Farming Services at Hillside Farms offer a structured yet compassionate route towards healing. This comprehensive, evidence-based program offers children the opportunity to interact with mental health professionals, trauma counselors, and occupational therapists. Children also engage in age-appropriate farm-based activities, creating a bond of shared experience and understanding with likewise affected peers. Moreover, each day includes grief education sessions and emotional support activities tailored to the children’s individual needs, while respecting their individual pace and comfort zones in group activities.

“The Earth and all its creatures are a gift and a responsibility to be cared for by us.” Dr. Douglas J. Ayers

Learn More About The Lands at Hillside Farms

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BY ABBEY ARCHER

A 16-year-old-boy was sitting in the waiting room with his hood on, unwilling to participate in his therapy. Marti Smith, occupational therapist and co-founder of Simple Sparrow Care Farm, observed that he was downregulated, feeling hopeless and depressed. She sent a text the farm’s founder, Jamie Tanner, and told her to “get the ball python.” “The snake is a really upregulating animal,” Ms. Tanner said. She brought the snake over and sat with Ms. Smith. The whole session, they sat, talking about the snake within earshot of the boy. By the end, he was looking over at them with curiosity. Not once did they try to infringe on the boundary he was setting….

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Recently we consulted with Gracey Belle at Hearthfire Farm in Texas.  She and her husband own property in Blanco County and envision creating a life-sharing community where people with disabilities live and work alongside typically-abled adults.

What a Consultation Looks Like

We scheduled a pro-bono one-hour Zoom consultation, during which we learned more about Gracy Belle’s vision for her farm. Gracy Belle has started several nonprofits (and already had an established board of directors in place), yet had specific questions related to care farming.  During our conversation, we helped identify and prioritize her needs, which included talking through fundraising efforts, creating a website & social media presence, and finding the right people to help implement her ideas.

One of Care Farming Network’s main goals is connecting members and finding ways we can support and help each other. Back in Maryland, we heard that our friend Kate McDowell, Farm Manager at A Farm Less Ordinary, was moving back to her home state of Texas. This is why we made sure that Kate and Gracy knew about each other… and we’re elated to hear that Kate is now working to help get Hearthfire Farm off the ground.

Congratulations, Hearthfire Farm, on your ribbon cutting and beautiful new website!

Learn More About Consultations

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