The Farm Academy - An Organic Farm
Friends of Autistic People is working to create a Farm Academy in Southwestern Connecticut that will support a community of people with Autism who wish to learn farming and live in a relaxed rural environment.
Farms for adults with Autism are not a new idea. The first such farm model was established at Somerset Court in England in 1974. Since then, many farms for adults with autism have been set up worldwide. The first U.S. farm, BitterSweet Farms in Ohio, opened in the early 1980s and is still a flourishing community.
Blossoming in an Organic Farm
Our children do well in quiet, open and natural environments, free from the stresses of urban life. They love to walk, they love animals and they just enjoy being outdoors.
The FAP Farm Academy will provide adults with autism a separate community that is understanding and safe. The "student farmers" will experience growing crops, raising animals, working with their hands and creating craft products. They will interact with the local community through farm festivals, the use of local resources (shopping, libraries, movies, malls, etc.), and partnering with other civic groups.
The Dream of Independent Living
Adults with Autism in the FAP Farm Academy will learn to be increasingly independent. Successful farmers will advance from highly structured jobs and housing that require one-on-one supervision, to jobs and housing that need less support, in a safe and supportive environment.
Being on the farm will be rewarding for adults with autism. To the extent of their abilities, they will exercise a life of self-determination.
Supporting our Student Farmers
When the FAP Farm Academy is in full operation, it will provide services to 20-25 resident student farmers and 20-30 day-program student farmers.
To offer this level of service, FAP will employ approximately 50-60 staff professionals. We will hire and train personnel who are enthusiastic about working with our children and helping them develop self-esteem and a sense of purpose in a wholesome environment.
Naming Opportunities
You can help us build the dream by buying a piece of the future. Buy a room, buy a house, buy the ranch! If you would like to make a major gift, and get a naming opportunity, please contact Brita Darany von Regensburg.
Suggestions are shown below.
The Farm Living & Learning Academy Village. . . . $3,000,000
The Village Learning Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150,000
The Village Residence (1 share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,000
The Village Barn (1 share) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,000
The Village Greenhouse (1 share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 15,000
A Resident Room (1 share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,000
A Village Animal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,000
A Commemorative Brick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 100
