Farm Friends is a non-profit organization that assists individuals and their families with special challenges by providing suitable workshops, enjoyable activities and therapeutic programs for people with unique needs in a peaceful rural farm setting. (farmfriendsnfp.org)
Inspired by their granddaughter, Farm Friends was created to provide appropriate programs to serve the needs of children and adults with disabilities and is owned and operated by the McCannon Family. The family settled in the Big Rock area in the 1870s and have resided in this space for six generations.
Every morning from August through the end of October, and again in the spring, our Special Education teacher, Mary Therriault, joins a group of students who benefit from alternative learning opportunities assisted by Lynn Kavcar, one of HBR’s amazing paraprofessionals. Together, they support our students in learning important life skills, while giving back to the community. Each day, the students navigate numerous responsibilities from tending the vegetable garden, to feeding and grooming the many different types of farm animals. The list of animals on the farm includes alpacas, chickens, and a goat…oh my! On special occasions, you may even find the students fishing for catfish or bass, or feeding the koi fish and turtles in the pond that is located behind the on-site classroom. Inside the beautiful on-site classroom space, many hands-on learning projects can be created and shared by the students.
A few of our HBR students had the opportunity to reflect on their favorite moments or spaces on the farm. Chris says that he loves three things about the farm, “I love feeding Dudley (the goat), walking around the pond, and feeding grass to the chickens.” Evan shared that he “really likes coming here to see how the farm looks, as it is very beautiful. I like the work we do around here, such as watering the plants and feeding the animals. I also like when we make our food to eat, like eggs.” Yuliana loves, “ feeding the fish and the turtles who live in the pond and brushing the goat.” Brian shared that he enjoys” interacting with the animals and that the best part of our time here on the farm is anytime. My time at the Farm Friends has been great.”
Farm Friends is always looking for extra hands on the farm. If you would like to share your time or talents and are interested in the following areas: horticulture, carpentry, animal care, maintenance, or clerical work, please reach out to volunteer and support a wonderful group!
(630) 360-6410
