Fiddlehead Care Farm

Sharing Recipient Stories

2023 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$6,500

Sharing our grant story

With the Dufferin County Community Grant, Fiddlehead Care Farm was able to redevelop the Co-Care Farmers program, supporting over 75 vulnerable children and youth to learn social and vocational skills in a farm setting.

The Co-Care Farmers (CCF) program supported vulnerable youth with developmental and physical disabilities, Autism, and mental health needs in Dufferin County with an interest in being part of a farm operation. Participants, ages 5-30 years old, attended the farm for multiple days, to learn about care farming, growing produce and how healthy eating positively affects their mental health. The CCF program provided flexibility and modifications for its participants, such as feasible registration practices, mental health support and accessible tools, reducing barriers to participation, and empowering people with unique needs to participate in society. Working on the farm, helped participants develop a sense of purpose and was a means for them to develop a work routine. Some participants even took a break from their typical school day, allowing them to return to the classroom the next day more focused and relaxed.

Participants worked directly with the staff farmers, creating an environment of equality and community. One participant stated, “I could actually think and relax. All the farm work relaxed me. Hanging out with all the animals and coworkers is very fun”. As a result of the CCF program, the participants’ caregivers reported an increase in observed life skills such as: friendship/social skills, independence, leadership, self-advocacy, problem-solving, responsibility, communication, and teamwork. All participants reported a deeper understanding of nutrition, gained vocational skills, and had more equal access to food and mental health services. Additionally, friendships were formed and connections to the land and farm were made. The Co-Care Farmers (CCF) program supported vulnerable youth with developmental and physical disabilities, Autism, and mental health needs in Dufferin County with an interest in being part of a farm operation.

Participants, ages 5-30 years old, attended the farm for multiple days, to learn about care farming, growing produce and how healthy eating positively affects their mental health. The CCF program provided flexibility and modifications for its participants, such as feasible registration practices, mental health support and accessible tools, reducing barriers to participation, and empowering people with unique needs to participate in society. Working on the farm, helped participants develop a sense of purpose and was a means for them to develop a work routine. Some participants even took a break from their typical school day, allowing them to return to the classroom the next day more focused and relaxed.

Participants worked directly with the staff farmers, creating an environment of equality and community. One participant stated, “I could actually think and relax. All the farm work relaxed me. Hanging out with all the animals and coworkers is very fun”. As a result of the CCF program, the participants’ caregivers reported an increase in observed life skills such as: friendship/social skills, independence, leadership, self-advocacy, problem-solving, responsibility, communication, and teamwork. All participants reported a deeper understanding of nutrition, gained vocational skills, and had more equal access to food and mental health services. Additionally, friendships were formed and connections to the land and farm were made.

Stephanie Deaken, Executive Director Fiddlehead Care Farm fiddleheadcarefarm@gmail.com
647-624-8421
www.fiddleheadcarefarm.com