Life on the Farm

Facilities
At the heart of Hope Spring Farm is a 1,400-square-foot program building. In this homelike environment, program participants, "Growers," help prepare and share meals, relax, socialize and take part in a variety of therapeutic craft activities. The center has a wheel-chair accessible open-floor plan featuring a full kitchen and dining area, social room and a large arts room. Hope Springs Farm is planning to add on to this building, which will allow the program to serve more adults.

A picturesque farmhouse is the home of Hope Springs Farm onsite manager, who is responsible for the primary care of livestock. At the front of the farmhouse is a beautiful, sheltered porch that can accommodate more than a dozen people. Wheel-chair accessible paths connect virtually every part of the farm so that every Grower can appreciate the different areas and functions of the property.

Gardens
Hope Springs Farm has 6,000 square feet of garden space, including many raised beds. This past growing season, Growers brought a cornucopia of fresh produce to the table: sugar peas, onions, chard, spinach, shallots, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, radishes, carrots, peppers, basil, oregano and parsley. Not only does fresh produce help sustain the farm's needs, Growers are invited to take it home to share with their group homes and families.

Hope Springs Farm is currently hoping to raise money for a solar green house, which will enable Growers to plant and harvest throughout the year.

Activities
Mornings at Hope Spring Farm are busy. Growers tend to goats, pigs, sheep, cows, rabbits, a red angus heifer, two miniature horses, chickens and ducks. These chores includes feeding, watering and mucking out stalls. Growers also care for the farm's raspberry bushes, blueberry patch and the herb, vegetable and flower gardens. Daily maintenance includes planting, watering, weeding, pruning and picking--depending on the time of year. Chores are done year-round.

Afternoons at Hope Springs Farm are a time for participants to relax, socialize, make arts and crafts, bake and cook, or go on educational and leisure outings.

Hope Springs Farm operates Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

Hope Springs Farm is licensed as an adult training facility through the Department of Public Welfare and is part of Community Interactions Inc.