Building connections
Bringing people together builds connection and belonging. Our farm aims to provide social opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and those with autism, to engage in activities together. It can feel isolating when living in one’s home without a wider community to connect with. Shared activities and experiences create relationships that support emotional well-bring and reduce feelings of loneliness. Activities may include volunteering at the farm to plant trees and shurbs, as part of our ongoing restorative land management efforts. For those who enjoy interacting with farm animals, during the summer months, there are opportunities to feed the sheep, goats and llama. We bring the community together with their families, friends and caregivers through periodic social gatherings, and these may include activities like arts and crafts, drum circle or music jam sessions.
Community Integration
Creating social engagement opportunities
Collaboration with others across the spectrum of interests and causes has given our neurodiverse community opportunities to participate in different activities with the wider community. They include hands on learning experiences through sheep shearing or planting days, participation in arts and crafts groups, and attending social gatherings. It is not just about the activities, it’s about being together and building relationships.
Bench building project by high school students from Winston Preparatory School
Hedgerow planting by students from Sonoma county led by the STRAW (Students & Teachers Restoring A Watershed) team
Adult transition program fieldwork to experience farm jobs and interactions with farm animals
Gaining work experience and taking on job responsibilities through volunteering on the farm
Annual sheep shearing brings the community together for all hands on deck wool skirting
Plant and bee observation led by Point Blue Conservation Science
No-Stress Art Group to encourage participation in crafts while emphasizing socialization
Cooperative grazing with our neighbor to build local community resilience
Gatherings for friends and family of neurodiverse individuals to build friendships and find support