Who We Are
Taking Root Farms is more than just a farm/rural day habilitation community. It's a place where adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) can grow, learn, and thrive. Our story begins with two moms who wanted more for their sons and their community. They realized that the typical model for day habilitation was limited and urban-based, so they took matters into their own hands.
After years of extensive research, they identified the optimal model for providing life-changing opportunities. Our program focuses on meaningful work, enjoyable recreation, relationship building, and life-skills development, all in a rural setting. And with that, Taking Root Farms was born.
We understand the challenges that families and individuals with I/DD face, and that's why we're committed to empowering them. At Taking Root Farms, our participants are not just numbers, they're individuals with unique talents and abilities. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, and we're here to make that a reality.
developmental disability
I/DD are employed
live in their own homes
The Vision for Taking Root Farms
Taking Root Farms will empower and enhance the daily lives of adults with developmental disabilities living in Richland County and the surrounding region.
Making the Vision a Reality
We’re almost there, but we need help from our generous community to make this vision a reality through our Field of Opportunities campaign. When Taking Root Farms opens, it will be the only farm-based non-profit model in Richland County and surrounding areas. It will be designed to initially accommodate 20 to 25 individuals a day and an even grater number of families and caregivers. All individuals aged 18 and older who are high school graduates will be welcome, and due to the uniqueness of our services, many of our farmers will continue with us for considerable lengths of time.
Taking Root Farms will offer year-round full-day programming five days a week. Although it is designed as a nonprofit organization, 90 percent of operating funds will be covered by federal and state reimbursement allocations. Our Board is committed to implementing a robust annual fundraising plan to cover the remaining 10 percent.
Creating Meaningful Work and Belonging
Crucial to our mission is the construction of a primary farm building, which is one of the goals of our Field of Opportunities campaign. The success of our program relies on our participants’ ability to take part in meaningful outdoor work, enjoy leisure activities, build relationships, and learn new skills as they experience new dimensions of happiness and realize the sense of belonging and self-worth that should be available to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. We are committed to making Richland County an exemplary model of service by offering a rural alternative to the programs and activities currently available.
Although we have big dreams for everything that Taking Root Farms will become over the coming years in its service to our community, at the outset, we’ve identified the six primary initiatives that will allow us to create meaningful work and a crucial sense of belonging for area residents with I/DD and their families.
Supporting the Field of Opportunities Campaign
Your gifts to our Field of Opportunities campaign will create a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with I/DD and their families/caregivers by providing the much-needed support identified in Taking Root Farm's primary initiatives. These initiatives allow us to create a positive environment where individuals can learn valuable life skills, build relationships, and have access to opportunities such as continuing education, volunteerism, and community engagement.
As a community of leaders, doers, creators, and givers, Richland County can make a difference by supporting Taking Root Farms in our mission to empower individuals with I/DD. With the help of people who share our belief in and respect for human dignity, we aim to create a premier model of adult day programming that other communities can emulate as we improve the lives of hundreds of adults with I/DD and their families.
Your gifts to our Field of Opportunities campaign will go toward the primary initiatives:
- Building facilities including a main building complete with a teaching kitchen and flexible classroom spaces
- Purchasing transportation vehicles
- Developing a horticulture setup, including renovation of the existing greenhouse/glass conservatory, building raised beds and hoop houses, and creating a memory garden and produce sales site
- Making the property accessible with the construction of accessible walking paths
- Establishing the small animal program with indoor/outdoor housing for chickens and other animals
- Designing walking trails and recreation areas throughout the property
Contributions
You can support our Field of Opportunities campaign and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants by making a one-time or recurring donation. We also welcome sponsorships, naming opportunities, and in-kind donations of materials and services. Your contribution will help us provide resources and opportunities to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Richland County and the surrounding region, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives. Thank you for your support of Taking Root Farms and our mission.
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