July 8, 2026
New Day Cleveland/FOX 8 News at Noon
Ginnette Simko, Executive Director of Farming with Friends (Ohio), spoke with Natalie Herbick of New Day Cleveland at their Akron location. Simko shares the care farm’s origins, when founders Tristan and Melanie Griffin observed the peace their daughter Scout experienced interacting with chickens and and plants in their garden. Farming with Friends emerged from their dream to employ people with disabilities in a farm-based setting.
Simko shares how their mission has evolved to include opportunities for job training, volunteering, and social connection—for people with and without disabilities to learn and build community together.
Simko also discusses the produce and flowers growing on the farm, as well as current fundraising efforts. She shares opportunities for community members to get involved, from volunteer opportunities to ticketed events.
Watch the 5-minute segment below.
Farming with Friends provides accessible, community-centered vocational, employment, and volunteer experiences for individuals with disabilities while giving typically abled participants the opportunity to learn, serve, and build authentic relationships. Visit their website to learn more.