<![CDATA[Hope Springs Farm | Adult Day Program | Developmental Disabilities | Autism | Special Needs | Central Pennsylvania | Harrisburg | Hershey | Dauphin | Cumberland | County - Newsletter]]>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 02:37:02 -0500EditMySite<![CDATA[October 2025 Recap Newsletter!]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:12:53 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/october-2025-recap-newsletter ]]><![CDATA[September 2025 Recap!]]>Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:17:56 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/september-2025-recap ]]><![CDATA[August 2025 Recap Newsletter!]]>Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:39:32 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/august-2025-recap-newsletter ]]><![CDATA[The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!]]>Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:31:07 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/the-best-way-to-spread-christmas-cheer-is-singing-loud-for-all-to-hear
December 21, 2021; Elyse Erdman

In this week before Christmas, all of us at Hope Springs Farm can’t help but hum holiday tunes all day long. Things only get more jolly when Kristyn Beeman of WB Music Therapy comes to lead our groups in music therapy. This Tuesday, I got to sit in and experience the joy that music therapy brings to our Growers.

Kristyn began by asking each of the Growers how they are doing, through song of course. Even our non-verbal Growers were able to express their feelings through facial expressions and sign language. They laughed as Kristyn turned their feelings of the day into musical lyrics. Next, a Grower exclaimed that they had a birthday tomorrow, and the group happily went into the “Happy Birthday” song.

To unwrap some holiday spirit, Kristyn played “Run Rudolph Run” and got the Growers moving their bodies to some favorite dance moves. Then, I experienced a new take on “The 12 Days of Christmas” as Kristyn led the group in “The 12 Instruments of Christmas.” Each Grower was handed an instrument that they would play when it became their turn in the song. They applauded each other as they went and smiled in pure holiday bliss.

Ending the festivities, Kristyn asked the Growers what holiday songs they wanted to sing along to. Surprisingly, the first song suggested was “Blue Christmas.” The Elvis-loving Growers laughed and sang along, and then rejoiced in “Frosty the Snowman.” Kristyn finished by leading “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as the warm-hearted Growers flashed cheery smiles.

If you attended this year’s Holiday Community Sing, none of this musical joy would surprise you. We are so thankful for Kristyn and WB Music Therapy for their transformative work with our Growers and the true delight they bring to the Farm. Lastly, we want to wish all of our friends and supporters a very happy holiday

If you would like more information on music therapy, you can visit WB Music Therapy’s site at www.wbmusictherapy.com or the American Music Therapy Association’s site at https://www.musictherapy.org/research/factsheets. You can donate to support our ability to provide Growers these music therapy sessions at our fundraising site.
]]><![CDATA[Round-up your change at CommunityAid]]>Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:13:19 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/round-up-your-change-at-communityaid
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July 26, 2021; Elyse Erdman

“Would you like to round up your total to support…” has never sounded so important to us here at Hope Springs Farm. We have been selected by CommunityAid Harrisburg for their RoundUp campaign. CommunityAid will now be featuring a different nonprofit partner each quarter for the campaign. For us, this means that from July through September, CommunityAid Harrisburg will be asking customers to round up their purchase at checkout so that their “small change” can make a big impact for our organization. 

The Farm, like many local businesses and nonprofits, struggled during the COVID-19 crisis. Our programs were shut down several times, leaving Growers without their favorite place, and staff without jobs. In addition, annual fundraisers are a large part of our ability to continue programs for Growers. Multiple fundraisers needed to be cancelled,  so we are now trying to make up for those losses.

CommunityAid graciously chose us as a RoundUp partner, and continually offers Hope Springs Farm supporters a chance to donate clothes with a profit being donated back to the program. All you have to do is donate clothes at the CommunityAid store and mention that you would like Hope Springs Farm to receive money per pound. CommunityAid is truly making an impact on our ability to continue thriving in the community after a tough year. We encourage you all to shop sustainably at CommunityAid and say “yes” at checkout to support us and other small nonprofits that need your help.
]]><![CDATA[More Zoom Parties!]]>Wed, 11 Nov 2020 20:30:09 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/more-zoom-parties
November 11, 2020; Elyse Erdman

Early into our initial Farm closure due to COVID-19, we realized that Zoom could be an effective tool in interacting with Growers. Weekly Zoom parties for Growers to interact with each other and Farm staff turned to daily parties. On Monday, June 1, 2020 we started to hold the Zoom Farm Parties for an hour every week day! The parties are completely free to Growers, prospective program participants, and family members, because we want everyone to have an opportunity to participate while stuck at home. Now that we had to close the Farm temporarily for 14 days, Zoom parties again became an essential way for our staff and Growers to communicate. The Zoom parties start with an introduction from Jim. He walks around the Farm to show the animals and gardens. Next, music therapist Kristyn Beeman encourages all participants to join her in singing a welcome song. Other activities that are included in Zoom parties include crafts, cooking, yoga, story reading, and more. Staff and Growers on the Farm head to the kitchen or craft room, and become the spotlight video on the Zoom party. They create the project, while giving step by step instructions for those following along at home. Some of the Fall crafts we are making on Zoom parties are owl pinecones, candy corn garlands, and thankful turkeys. We are cooking candied oranges, harvest hash chex mix, candied jalapenos, and more.

Pat Steely from Yoga for Kids gives a yoga class via Zoom that the Growers are eager to participate in. Staff are always thinking of creative activities such as pigcassos and horse lunging, to show Growers on Zoom.
Farm Zoom parties are not only fun for Growers, their families, and staff, but provide Growers with the opportunity for some mental and physical activity while at home. Please visit https://farmofhope.networkforgood.com/ to donate and support us in continuing providing free daily Zoom parties.

You can find video clips from Zoom parties on our YouTube channel, check them out here.
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]]><![CDATA[Staff volunteer on Farm during temporary closure]]>Tue, 03 Nov 2020 19:20:36 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/staff-volunteer-on-farm-during-temporary-closure
November 3, 2020; Elyse Erdman and Jim Gainer

As we navigate through many challenges this year, we want to stop and thank our gracious and hardworking staff. After our initial COVID-19 closure in late March, 2020, staff continued to come to the Farm to care for the miniature horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and other animals that reside on the farm. They also tended to the gardens and greenhouse to prepare for the Growers’ return. Finally on July 13, we were able to open the Farm program again at limited capacity. The Growers and staff were thrilled to get back to their animal and gardening chores, craft and cooking activities, and more. Unfortunately, on October 26, 2020 we again were forced to temporarily close our programs due to a confirmed case of COVID-19 among our staff. All the Growers who had direct contact with the staff member were notified, and all Growers and staff have been recommended to quarantine for 14 days. The programs are scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Again, staff stepped up to the plate and are caring for the animals and gardens in a safe manner. 

We want to thank all of our staff that are continuing to volunteer during this time of crisis. Your work is greatly appreciated.

To support the Farm and the return of Growers and programming, please visit https://farmofhope.networkforgood.com/.
]]><![CDATA[Thank you for your support of our first Drive Thru Chicken Bar-B-Que!]]>Wed, 28 Oct 2020 18:09:17 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/thank-you-for-your-support-of-our-first-drive-thru-chicken-bar-b-que
October 28, 2020; Elyse Erdman and Jim Gainer

​Thank you to everyone who made our first Drive Thru Chicken Bar-B-Que a success! Most of our fundraisers this year were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, so this one was essential to keep our programs running. It was a beautiful October afternoon for our fundraiser. We enjoyed seeing the friendly faces of families and supporters picking up their delicious meals from Konopelski’s Catering of Sinking Spring, PA. We also want to thank our drink sponsor, The Wawa Foundation, and Classic Cleaners who donated drinks, and Good’s Chips of Adamstown, PA who donated bags of chips. We also sold some baked goods provided by Family and Friends of the Farm, and Tim & Andy’s famous Chicken Corn Soup.

This COVID-19 friendly fundraiser was able to raise about $4,000 for our programs at Hope Springs Farm. We also partnered with Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region to distribute meals to local families in need. So, supporters purchased a chicken dinner for themselves, and if they could, purchased a special ticket "To Feed the Hungry" and it was given to someone in need. Thanks to the gracious help of our supporters, we were able to donate 94 meals to local families in need.

Thanks again to everyone who made this fundraiser possible. Stay tuned for upcoming fundraisers including Giving Tuesday 2020. We really need your help this year to keep our programs running.
]]><![CDATA[Drive Thru Chicken Bar-B-Que Fundraiser]]>Thu, 24 Sep 2020 18:35:49 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/drive-thru-chicken-bar-b-que-fundraiser
September 24, 2020; Elyse Erdman

We have set up a COVID-19 friendly fundraiser for members of the community to support our day program for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Autism.

The Drive Thru Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held on Saturday, October 24th from 11:00am-2:00pm. For $12 you will receive 1/2 BBQ Chicken, baked potato, apple sauce, roll and butter, a bag of chips, and a drink. The vendor is Konopelski's Catering from Sinking Spring, PA. There is an option for families to purchase baked goods and homemade Chicken Soup the day of the Drive Thru BBQ, while they last. Our goal is to sell 400 dinners in order to help keep up with the costs of our program for adults with disabilities, which includes animal and horticulture therapy, craft and cooking activities, and community outings. Drinks for the event are courtesy of The Wawa Foundation in Wawa, PA, and Classic Cleaners of Harrisburg PA. Potato Chips have been donated from Good's Chips in Adamstown, PA.

Visit our home page to purchase your tickets. You will pick up your meals at the Farm at 201 Trail Rd. Hershey. Most of our fundraisers have been canceled this year due to COVID-19, so we hope to have a successful Bar-B-Que. Come and get some delicious chicken BBQ and support local adults with disabilities!

]]><![CDATA[Harvest Days]]>Wed, 02 Sep 2020 17:28:28 GMThttps://www.hopespringsfarm.org/newsletter/harvest-days
September 2, 2020; Elyse Erdman
Other contributors: Nina Rovner and Lori Lidle

Late summer and early fall in Pennsylvania mean carnival rides, funnel cakes, and farm animal exhibits. This year, however, all county fairs have been cancelled across Pennsylvania. Growers in our program annually visit and submit our own produce to the Lebanon County Fair. They love spending days walking around meeting the vendors, eating their favorite fair foods, and earning ribbons for our produce. Without the opportunity to go to fairs this year, farm founder, Nina Rovner thought it appropriate to bring the county fair to the Farm! We will host a Harvest festival week from September 14th to 18th with live broadcasts via Zoom each day from 1-2 PM. The week will consist of harvesting produce from the garden, special animal activities, and making farm to table food.

Our fundraisers this year were all canceled due to COVID-19, so we really need your help in order to keep up with the costs of our program. Please consider using this Harvest week of activities to make a donation. The proceeds will go toward all of our programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. These are animal therapy, horticulture therapy, music therapy, yoga, crafting, cooking, and more. We will have a special giveaway coming up on our social media pages (@hopespringsfarm.hershey on Instagram and Hope Springs Farm on Facebook.) Follow the pages to find out how you can win some cool prizes and keep up to date with our Harvest Week.
 
Visit farmofhope.networkforgood.com to make a donation.
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