Xceptional Gardening – Care Farming Initiative
A year ago the Board of Directors, in discussion with Red Wiggler Farm and the Care Farming Network, identified the need for additional gardening programs that provide hands-on vocational training and job skills development in the agricultural/farming area. Care Farming also addresses the underemployment of individuals with I/DD and/or Autism. As a result of those discussions, XO began working on a small pilot program that includes two individuals with I/DD and Autism as well as volunteers at a small donated farm space in the Brookeville area.
Care Farming is defined as the therapeutic use of farming practices for marginalized or underserved groups of people such as individuals with I/DD or Autism. Care Farming includes a wide variety of farm-related activities such as vegetable farms, fruit/orchards, animal husbandry, etc.
The Benefits of Care Farming Include:
- Building Self Confidence
- Collaboration & Team Work
- Philanthropy
- Applicable Experience for Future Employment Opportunities
XO welcomes all individuals and embraces a diverse community regardless of ability, culture or background. This project was established to address the need for additional vocational/job skills training and social opportunities for those with I/DD and Autism
For more information on our services, please contact us: