As Homesteads for Hope wraps up another season, the people of this local organization have so much to be grateful for. In the last year, their “Community Farm Experience” has been able to accomplish so much to help families and individuals with disabilities – from opening their doors to new program participants, members, volunteers and school districts, to completing the “Forever Homestead” project. The newest community center offers a door always open, expanding the non-profit’s impact 12 months a year – nearly seven days a week. All of this was only possible because of the endless support that the Greater Rochester area has shown, yet there is much more work to be done to help families and individuals of all abilities.
Take Peter, for example, who joined the farm’s programs over the summer and simply never left. As someone who utilizes a wheelchair with limited control of muscle movement, Homesteads for Hope’s staff were honored at how quickly he and his family jumped on board and trusted them to provide the right accommodations for him to participate on the working farm. With his creative mind and keen eye, Peter found a passion for flower gardening and arrangements right away, and even hosted his own U-Pick Workshop towards the end of the season.
When asking Peter how he feels, he stated, “I like coming to the farm because the things I do here make me feel accomplished. I like that everyone can come together and we can be ourselves, and I know I have a purpose here.”
Not only is he feeling valued, he also has the farm to call home, and the same goes for his family. Because of the work of the Homesteads for Hope team, Peter’s family is now surrounded by a caring community. He continues to grow his purpose and feels included in goals for the future.
There are countless more stories like Peter’s, of individuals who are seeking a place to belong. Homesteads for Hope is currently serving over 600 families who are involved in programs, memberships, and volunteer experiences with thousands of community visitors each year seeking to get involved. Since opening the Forever Homestead Community Center, the opportunities keep knocking and the farm needs support to keep opening the door.
Homesteads for Hope has plans to expand their membership experience, mission-based programs, farm agritourism and new partnerships with other non-profits, agencies, and school districts. They want everyone to experience what Peter feels when he’s at the farm. This requires operational support to expand program offerings, hire additional staff and continue to ensure the 2024 experience is better than ever before.
Visit http://www.HomesteadsforHope.org to learn more about how to get involved.
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