Pittsfield Officials Tour ServiceNet’s Vocational Farm
This article highlights the work and expansion of ServiceNet’s therapeutic vocational farm, Prospect Meadow, which uses neuro-psychological principles, occupational therapy approaches, and learning theory to develop a work system that lets people gain self-esteem and develop work skills as rapidly as they can. ServiceNet has a contract with the Department of Developmental Services for therapeutic […]
Care Farming Network Winter Retreat
Care Farming Network is grateful to have gathered with an amazing group of care farmers at CFN’s inaugural Northeast Winter Retreat. We shared the challenges– and successes –and made progress in creating new resources for member care farmers, such as an online toolkit and a regional mentorship program. The energy and enthusiasm was inspiring, and […]
Madison Fields Care Farm Tour
On June 27th, 2023, Madison Fields hosted The Care Farming Network for a special farm (and soapery) tour! Madison Fields sits on 400 acres of beautiful farmland in the Agricultural Reserve of Montgomery County, Maryland. Madison Fields’ programs support their mission to strengthen their community by creating a safe, accessible, and inclusive agricultural environment where people […]
21 Roots Farm grows jobs — and hope — for people with developmental disabilities
This article highlights a pilot internship program at 21 Roots Farm, a nonprofit hobby farm that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Six interns — all of whom had been regular attendees of programs at the farm — participated a 20-week work-experience program where they were “trained to be trainers”, attending the weekly training […]
The Selah Care Farm harnesses the power of nature to help cope with grief
This article shares the story of Selah Farm in Arizona, which was founded in 2016 as a refuge for people navigating grief. It discusses the ways in which interaction with animals and nature are supporting the participants at the farm.
Pasa Panel Discussion “Farming As Therapy For Marginalized Individuals”
Pasa Sustainable Agriculture’s annual conference is one of the largest gatherings of sustainable farmers and food system changemakers the Mid-Atlantic region which builds community to create a space where inspiration, innovation, and connection flourish. On Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00 am ET, the Care Farming Network hosted a panel discussion titled “Farming as Therapy for […]
Care Farming: Farming With a Social Purpose
Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture’s 23rd Annual Conference was held January 13-14, 2022. The conference included a session on Care Farming highlighting “Farming with Social Purpose.” The panel discussion explored several different care farming models and initiatives and discussed the benefits and challenges of each. The conference program can be found here. Presenters included:Andrea Barnhart, Care […]
AHTA Annual Conference
In October 2021, the American Horticultural Therapy Association hosted the IPPS/AHTA/ISHS 2021 Joint Annual Conference: The Role of Horticulture in Human Well-being and Social Development. This was a joint virtual symposium, and Red Wiggler participated by conducting a virtual tour of our farm and work. The tour can be viewed below. Video Player After attendees had a […]
You’ve got to feel yourself alive sometimes.
An in-depth look at Red Wiggler farm, written in the year of its 25th anniversary, including interviews of staff and growers and a discussion of the Care Farming Network.
People and produce flourish at Legacy Farm in Leesburg
An article discussing what it’s like to work at Legacy Farm in Leesburg, VA, a nonprofit that offers apprenticeship-style learning and job opportunities in a neurodiverse community of individuals preparing for college, learning a trade, or seeking internships to further their education.