Legacy Farms A Community for Adults with Autism and other
Developmental Challenges
Our Story We are a group of teachers, parents and professionals
with a common vision; to create a post-secondary residential and
vocational community for adults with autism and other developmental
challenges. While dedicating ourselves to improve the lives of
young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, we recognized the lack
of meaningful post-secondary opportunities for them. Thus, the idea
of creating a legacy for special needs adults was born.
Our Story (Cont..) Our goal is to become a community of adults
with intellectual disabilities, based on a holistic model that
encompasses all aspects of farm life, and provide them with
meaningful vocational, recreational, and community opportunities.
Our staff will continuously strive to foster independence and a
sense of achievement among the residents, by recognizing and
developing individual potential in a supportive home
environment.
Legacy Farms Board of Directors Martha Schonberger Loudoun
County Special Education Teacher President Pam Quinn Loudoun County
Social Education Teacher Vice President Susan Aitcheson Accounting
Manager at the Center for Innovative Technology Treasurer and
Secretary Tracy Monson Licensed Real Estate Consultant Patsy
McClintock Autism Consulting Teacher for Loudoun County
Schools.
The Facts The CDC States that 1 in 68 children will be
diagnosed with ASD in the next year. In the next 10 years over
500,000 people with autism will become adults. 17% of young adults
with autism have never lived alone. Currently, only 24% of people
with cognitive disabilities aged 16 to 64 work.
We want to help We believe the time is now to start planning
for the influx of adults with autism currently entering the job
market. It is vital that a variety of options are available to
these adults, and diverse trends are developed to provide
residential and vocational solutions currently not available in our
area. Legacy Farms hopes to be there as this boom of young adults
needs them, and hopes to inspire others to help as well.
Why a Farmstead? There are many physical benefits of working on
a farm that will ensure your loved ones are getting plenty of daily
exercise. What really counts though are the therapeutic benefits of
living and working on a farm. They include: Meaningful, purposeful
work Daily social interaction Developing a sense of accomplishment
Daily cognitive exercise, which constantly stimulates the mind
Allowing those who have always been cared for the opportunity to
care for others Daily seasonal and yearly rhythms of farm life are
compatible with the strengths of people with ASD
Legacy Farms Today Current Programs, Partnerships, and
Strategies for Raising Public Awareness
Phase I Raising Public Awareness Legacy Farms is currently in
Phase One. Educate the public on the need of postsecondary options
for adults with autism and other developmental challenges Plan and
initiate a series of fundraisers, events, and speaking engagements
that will help raise money and awareness of the cause Promote
Legacy Garden as a place for those with special needs to experience
growing crops, hard work and getting their hands dirty. Promote
Legacy Gardens as a place to come and learn about our cause. Share
the Legacy Farms story and inspire others to get involved.
Online Initiatives Since May of 2014 Legacy Farms has increased
its online presence in multiple ways such as the creation of a new
website at www.legacyfarmsvirginia.org The use of social media will
ensure Legacy Farms continues to make its mark on the digital
community and they have undergone an extensive social media
marketing campaign that includes: Facebook Twitter Instagram Google
+
Recent Accomplishments This year, Legacy Farms has ramped up
their efforts to accomplish their goals. To create momentum for
their vision, the board members have: Met with various persons and
organizations in Loudoun County to discuss partnerships in creating
day training programs for adults with autism and other
developmental challenges: o Hydroponic greenhouse garden training
starting in the Fall of 2014 o Exploration of another off-site
training center at a local therapeutic horseback riding facility
Creation of Legacy Garden, which is a teaching tool; a place for
young adults with autism and other developmental challenges to
experience growing crops, hard work, and getting their hands
dirty.
Current and Recent Events May 17th 2014, Legacy Garden
Construction Wellness Connection Farmers Market in Stone Ridge, Va.
July 26th Legacy Farms Garden Party
Legacy Gardens is our maiden program that began as a way to
teach people about Legacy Farms. Our goal is to inspire the
community to get involved, by providing a place where people can
see the benefits of such a program. We broke ground on May 17th,
2014. Legacy Gardens
Working together at the garden ensures a variety of social
interaction among peers. Planting a garden is a great way to
practice cognitive thinking. A job well done, something to be proud
about.
Legacy Farm Training Center As part of our plan to provide
agriculturally based job training, we have partnered with several
local organizations to provide them with a skilled workforce. We
hope to start training as early as Fall of 2014. We will be
offering: A variety of greenhouse skills Small Plot Intensive
Farming Basic barn and stall maintenance Farmers Market retail
skills
Getting The Word Out While social media continues to play a
huge role in promoting Legacy Farms, there are other ways to be
seen. We will continue to do what it takes, whether it be though
the media, getting out into the community, or building business
relationships our main priority is to let people know we are here
to help.
The Farmstead Future outlook for Legacy Farms
Phase II Breaking Ground This occurs once the land is bought
and the farm is under construction. Build or take ownership of a
farm Provide a variety of training programs Select qualified
residents Continue to raise money and awareness
The Perfect Scenario A Barn for storing equipment, and
livestock such as goats, chickens, and a few horses A Pasture for
growing crops (about 10 Acres) 2 residential units to house men and
women A community Center Main office Training Facility
Greenhouse
Training Program Legacy Farms will provide a variety of
residential and day programs that include but are not limited to:
Farming Agriculturally based job training Woodworking Farmers
market retail skills Equine based skills
Application Process The board plans to establish an admissions
committee for review and acceptance of applications for residency
to insure that candidates match well the services available at the
farmstead. Confidential professional assessments are to be
performed periodically, to document progress being made by each
resident and recommend adjustments to program and services to
maximize the benefits.
Looking Forward Our Hopes for the Future
Phase III Ongoing Operations and Growth Once Legacy Farms is
fully operational and has been operating for several years, we hope
to add to existing structures and increase the population to over
20 residents. Maintain farm Build additional units or add on to
existing ones to accommodate more residents and staff Maintain
community ties, volunteer at local functions, continue raising
awareness Continue Fundraising and have a variety of benefits that
will help the cause Marketing continues for donations and new
residents, as well as Legacy Farms specialty products
Future Success Volunteering for local fundraisers Giving back
Food donations to local food banks Local School involvement Success
of the farm depends on many things, one of which is community
involvement. Legacy Farms hopes to become an integral part of
whatever community they live in., and they plan to do this by
giving back locally.
Legacy Farms The Brand Legacy Farms hopes to create a brand
around the services they offer and products they create. This will
help maintain the farm and possibly ensure that growth of the farm
does not just include one location. As we continue to experiment
with new farming methods and passing that knowledge onto those we
serve, we hope to one day grow the Legacy brand nationally. Some of
these methods include: Small Plot Intensive Farming Hydroponics and
Aquaponics Greenhouses Products may include: Legacy Farm Salsas and
Pestos Legacy Farms Jams and Jellies Legacy Farms Spreads
Our Vision At Legacy Farms we envision a community of people
living and working together on the farm. Such a community will be:
A place for both residents and day program participants to learn a
variety of marketable skills that they may use in day-to-day farm
operations, or take with them to a job site. A self-sustainable
living environment where residents and live-in staff will grow
their own food, tend the crops, and maintain a working farm. A
place that helps the residents live to their fullest potential,
where they have an opportunity to work and learn at their own pace
without judgment. A unique social environment in which anyone can
reach their own personal best.
Thank You for taking the time to read about our plans. If you
would like to help, please follow the link below: DONATE You can
also mail your donations to: We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit
organization and the donations we receive go to help promote
awareness of the need for long-term care for adults with autism and
other developmental challenges, ultimately helping us generate
enough money to purchase the farmland we need to start Legacy
Farms.