Join Us in Cultivating Hope and Growth
Sharing Hope Farm engages local youth and neurodiverse individuals by providing hands-on education, resources, and opportunities in small scale animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture. We support the local food distribution sites with fresh vegetables, herbs and seedlings to plant at home in pots or a small garden.
Our Mission
Sharing Hope Farm engages local youth and neurodiverse individuals by providing hands-on education, resources, and opportunities in small scale animal husbandry and sustainable agriculture and educational outreach programs. We support the local food distribution sites with fresh vegetables and herbs, and seedlings to grow at home.
programs
Spending time on a farm—particularly learning in a greenhouse (through horticultural activities like planting, tending plants, and succulent cultivation) and working with animals (often called care farming, green care, animal-assisted interventions, or farm-based therapy)—offers well-documented therapeutic benefits for individuals neurodivergent youth and adults. This includes those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, developmental disabilities, and diverse abilities.
Access to Land
At Sharing Hope Farm, we guide local youth in discovering the joys and skills of raising small livestock including but not limited to goats, chickens, turkeys, and rabbits. Through dedicated mentorship, practical training, and access to essential resources, students successfully complete fair projects, build confidence, strong work ethic, and a genuine appreciation for agriculture.
Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Agriculture
At Sharing Hope Farm, we inspire local youth and neurodiverse individuals to engage in hands-on education that fosters a love for sustainable agriculture and animal husbandry.
Our programs provide essential resources and mentorship, helping participants build confidence and a strong work ethic while appreciating the beauty of nature and farming.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
We offer practical, hands-on learning in our greenhouse or planting rows in the production and care of common vegetables, bee keeping and small livestock and chickens.
Fundraising for your Group at farm
Sharing Hope Farm is proud to share our greenhouse spaces to assist your group earn money via plant and flower sales or such endeavors. Lead times vary so proper planning is a must for this.
Fair Projects
Sharing Hope Farm supports local agricultural groups and the Erie and Lorain County Fair. We provide access to groups to raise both veggie and small livestock projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can Schedule Visits?
Sharing Hope Farm is open to community based organizations ranging from simple groups like school classes or clubs, youth groups, church groups and programs that benefit neurodivergent youth and adults. To schedule a visit, click here.
Liability Waiver Release
All visitors must sign a waiver of liability in order to attend events at the farm. This is a standard liability waiver required by our insurance carrier and is standard for any visit of this sort.
Each Visit is unique
All programs will be tailored to the group’s interest and ability levels. We will work with you to create the best experience for your group. Visits are generally between 1 and 4 hours in duration.
Need to Change Your Date?
Contact us and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your request! Some events with special attractions like visiting animals or speakers will require the best notice possible.
Bees
We are a working educational farm. We have bees and all events are outdoors where children will be in nature. While our Bees are not part of a normal visit, they exist on the farm like anywhere in nature. Those who have severe bee allergies should be aware of this fact and our staff must be made aware of any such individual so we can be prepared.
Allergies, livestock + Nature
Sharing Hope Farm is a working farm and our events are outdoors on the farm. All attendees will be in the proximity of pollen, farm animals like (chickens and sheep), hot peppers, bugs and insects of all kinds, potentially including snakes, spiders, ticks and fleas.