Care Farming Network Mentorship Program
Program goals
In 2025, the Care Farming Network launched its first-ever Mentorship Program, pairing seven beginning care farmers with experienced care farmers across the Northeast region through support from a USDA NE SARE grant. Over ten months, mentees set individualized learning goals, visited each other’s farms, joined cohort learning sessions, and connected regularly through check-ins.
Program Highlights
✨ 7 Mentees + 7 Mentors
Participants represented a diverse range of care farms—from flower farms and vegetable CSAs to youth programs, vocational training initiatives, and livestock operations.
✨ 100% of mentees completed a grant application
Each mentee left the cohort with a polished proposal designed to secure funding for land access, infrastructure, accessibility improvements, program expansion, or community-based research.
✨ Monthly 1:1 mentorship + small-group learning
Mentees were matched with seasoned mentors and provided the opportunity to visit each other’s farms and gain invaluable expertise and hands-on experience.
✨ A growing community of peer support
Participants built strong relationships with one another, sharing challenges, resources, and encouragement throughout the program.
Testimonials
2025 Mentee Cohort
Christine Baughman- Blue Barn Farm
Nurse and vet tech creating a place for people to enjoy nature, learn something new, and improve quality of life–regardless of ability, age, or background.
Program Results: Grant writing confidence and a sense of community with fellow mentees.
Joanne Cottam — Fowl Manor Farm
Veteran social worker blending therapeutic practice with farm-based learning in New Hampshire.
Program Results: Applied and was approved to be a Massachusetts Department of Children and Families’ Emerging Futures Program site, helping youth and young adults in foster care (including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities) gain job experience and career-readiness skills and connections.
Kristen Head — Xceptional Opportunities
Leader of vocational training programs providing meaningful work experiences for adults with autism and developmental differences.
Program Results: “We have received one additional grant and we’ve added new members to our care farm.”
Suna Turgay — Flowerwork Farm
No-till flower farmer creating an accessible, regenerative space rooted in belonging, cultural connection, and community joy.
Program Results: “My mentor farm has provided me with moral support and in-kind support.”
Travis Holleman — ROOTS Community Initiative
Farm educator, permaculturist, and youth program leader using regenerative practices to spark joy, curiosity, and accessibility in the outdoors.
Program Results: Improved accessibility in their programming. “Simplifying our scope is allowing us to be more flexible while still allowing for program growth.”
Jennifer Zeitler – Open Farms
Blends her experience with farming, nonprofit care farm leadership, occupational therapy, and mental health services to create an inclusive farm where people of all abilities connect with the land and rescued animals.
Program Results: Launched a new program, Health and Hoof Station, which received grant funding. “We also anticipate ongoing relationships with our local special education departments through this program.”
Aeryn Boyd — Aerry Berry Farm
Emerging care farmer committed to sustainable agriculture, social equity, and research bridging farming and health outcomes for people with I/DD.
Program Results: ‘I’m ready to implement a care farm apprenticeship program, and I’m actively applying for grants and meeting with potential collaborators.’
Meet the 2025 Mentors
These mentors brought decades of experience in therapeutic agriculture, disability inclusion, farm management, community building, and leadership.
2025 Mentorship Program Accomplishments
- Strengthened confidence and leadership skills in early-stage care farmers
- Developed grant-ready project proposals for beginning care farmers
- Built a supportive peer network
- Created new pathways for collaboration
- Increased clarity around program design, farm-based services, and community partnerships
What’s Next: A New Mentorship Program Launching in 2026
Based on valuable feedback, CFN is designing a more robust, accessible, and sustainable program structure for 2026–2028. Stay tuned for applications to open!
Questions? Email us!