Homesteads for Hope proudly participated in the Inaugural Care Farming Conference at the University of Massachusetts in January. The event brought together over 250 attendees from 26 states to explore how care farming is shaping the future of inclusive agriculture, vocational training, and social impact. Representatives from every department of the organization attended, engaging with fellow care farmers, advocates, and professionals committed to making farms more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
Care farming is an innovative approach that integrates agriculture with health, wellbeing, and social inclusion. It provides meaningful work, therapeutic engagement, and a sense of belonging for individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, and other barriers to employment or community participation. The Care Farming Network fosters collaboration among care farms, supports aspiring care farmers, and builds national awareness about the transformative power of farming as a tool for personal and community growth.
In a remarkable show of unity, 10 other care farms from New York State attended, each contributing unique strengths to the movement. The Care Farming Network’s mission – to establish a care farm serving the underserved in every county across the nation – aligns directly with Homesteads for Hope’s commitment to creating opportunities through hands-on learning, meaningful work, and sustainable agriculture. The organization was honored to represent Monroe County on a national stage.
Homesteads for Hope takes the stage
Founder & CEO Jenny Brongo and Farm Manager Chris Krivanek were honored to be featured speakers, leading discussions on:
•Exploring Community Care Farm Models: Structures, Opportunities, and Challenges
•Building Successful Partnerships & Community Engagement Strategies
•Lessons Learned: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Care Farm
•Preventing Burnout in Care Farming: Balancing Mission and Daily Challenges
Their insights resonated with attendees, highlighting Homesteads for Hope’s sustainable, community-driven approach to care farming and inclusive workforce development.
Mission moment: Celebrating Steven
A highlight of the conference was the participation of Steven Voelkl, a former program apprentice and dedicated Homesteads for Hope employee since 2021. Voelkl confidently engaged with attendees, proudly shared his journey through printed photos, and took the stage alongside fellow care farmers. He served on a panel of Care Farmers from across the U.S., sharing how his employment at Homesteads for Hope has changed his life and how he takes pride in coordinating the CSA program at the farm.
As Voelkl left campus wearing a red UMass hat, the moment symbolized his success, independence, and the transformative impact of care farming. Stories like his exemplify the mission of Homesteads for Hope – empowering individuals to find purpose and opportunity in an inclusive farm community. “It was incredible to see Steve’s confidence and pride on stage and throughout the entire conference. Nearly everyone I spoke with had already heard about our organization – thanks to Steve, who was truly the networking king,” said Nora Venezky, Development Director at Homesteads for Hope.
Looking ahead
As a founding care farm in the Care Farming Network, Homesteads for Hope continues to help shape the future of the care farming movement. The farm received widespread recognition for its ability to cultivate community-driven support and sustainable programs. Unlike many care farms, Homesteads for Hope grows all its own produce, reinforcing the strength of its CSA Food Share Program.
Additionally, the organization’s long-term vision to eventually offer housing for individuals with disabilities further sets it apart, ensuring that people not only have opportunities for employment and engagement but also the ability to live, learn, and grow in a fully inclusive farm community.
Homesteads for Hope looks forward to continuing its leadership in this field.
For more information on care farming and the Care Farming Network, visit: https://carefarmingnetwork.org.
To learn more about Homesteads for Hope, visit: https://www.homesteadsforhope.org/.
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