Ogden Farm Invites All to Learn & Grow This Summer

Homesteads for Hope, a nonprofit farm in Ogden, is launching its 'Farm for All' initiative, offering a series of free classes and workshops from July through September. These hands-on learning opportunities will span diverse topics including gardening, culinary arts, canning, floral design, fiber arts, and woodworking. The farm, situated on 55 acres along the Erie Canal, serves individuals with autism and other disabilities but extends its invitation to people of all abilities.

Founder and CEO Jennyrae Brongo highlighted the initiative as an "invitation" to the wider community to discover the farm's mission and its potential for personal growth and belonging. The farm is actively seeking to raise $200,000 through its "Farm for All" campaign to fund educational materials, program supplies, facility enhancements, and staffing. To date, $47,000 has been raised, with a generous anonymous donor pledging to match the first $25,000 in community donations.

Several events are planned, including "Thursdays at the Farm" featuring live music, food trucks, and pony rides, with a suggested donation of $5. An Inclusion Fair is scheduled for July 16. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a "Flower U-Pick" service starting mid-June. The 30th Annual Kiwanis of Greece Fishing Derby will take place on July 19, offering free participation with prizes for top catches. The farm store operates with varied hours and offers a "Harvest Pass" as a CSA alternative. Directions to the farm are available on their website, with a caution about GPS inaccuracies.