Wild Hopes Farm
Wild Hopes is a program of Families First, a non-profit agency that serves developmentally disabled children/adults and their families. We provide assistance in a variety of ways including; case management, respite care, advocacy, home supports or placements, and 1:1 support in the community, school, and at work.
Since 1996, Families First has approached things on a case by case basis with the understanding that each individual encompasses a different array of abilities, needs, goals, and personal attributes. Therefore it has only made sense to deliver services in ways equally as creative and unique as those receiving them. As an agency, we pride ourselves on being able to meet the needs of this population in innovative ways. For example, for several years now, Families First has held in its’ organizational “vision” a farm arts program. This “vision” has become a reality with the establishment of Wild Hopes Farm in May of 2011.
During its short existence, Wild Hopes has proven to be a healthy, complimentary addition to Families First for numerous reasons. The space allows us to teach new independent skills (cooking, cleaning, budgeting, farming etc.) as well as work skills. Unfortunately, one of the challenges seen state-wide in developmental services is the lack of work opportunities available to individuals with disabilities. Wild Hopes Farm confronts this challenge by providing noncompetitive meaningful employment, while covertly demonstrating the value of hard work, diligence, punctuality, appropriate social skills, networking, and safety.
In it’s first season, Wild Hopes has hired eight part-time employees who’s sincere efforts have resulted in the establishment of a vegetable garden along with a sturdy bridge and fence to make it wheelchair accessible. Although this years reaping’s may only allow us to provide vegetables for one local country store, our hope is that next year we can provide the larger community with organic produce in an affordable and accessible way. We are continuing to collaborate with community members and organizations who share this mission.