ICSS is proposing the relaunch of the Sow and Grow farm participation program – shut down during COVID – for people with developmental disabilities in eastern Ontario. Individuals who are part of our residential and day programs will have the opportunity to visit the farm, enjoy the sights and smells, and interact with the therapy chickens. Some will get involved in helping to operate the farm, including gardening, caring for the chickens, and gathering eggs.
Farm produce will be sold to the public at a road-side kiosk, the vegetables sold at markets, and fresh food supplied to our residences.
ICSS owns 51 acres of property in the Navan neighbourhood, just outside of Ottawa. Our property already has farm buildings, including a barn with 6 stalls, equipment sheds, and a small stand for selling, which require some repairs. There is also ample space for gardening, including raised garden beds and other horticultural activities.
To get this program up and running, ICSS will clean up the property and ensure the accessibility and safety of all pathways and buildings, refurbish the existing structures, and hire a farmhand for six to eight months for the summer growing season. Other costs will include the materials and seeds for the vegetable garden, and the purchase of chickens, supplies and food.
Interaction with the community will happen at points of sale, including the kiosk and markets, as well as through farm promotional activities, such as an Open House for neighbours when the site is ready.
We estimate that at the very least, approximately 100 people with disabilities will have the opportunity to visit the farm, carry out chores, sell produce, and meet the public during the growing season every year through this project.
This grant will allow ICSS to relaunch the farm program, build engaging and enriching programming and open the door to additional resources to ensure its sustainability.
This project is important to our community of residents and program participants because it offers a beautiful natural space for healthy and therapeutic outdoor activities – from caring for chickens, to learning how plants grow, to taking on responsibilities.
When the farm was operational before the pandemic, it was one of the unique preferred activities among our participants and their families.
Parents Christine Hill and John MacMillan write, “Our adult children who live with developmental disabilities benefited in many ways from participation in program activities at the ICSS farm. The active learning outdoors in nature contributed to their good health and well-being and, under the guidance of expert staff, they had opportunities to learn about nurturing plants, growing food in season and ways to care for and respect the needs of the farm animals.”
Fred Matzinger and Jocelyne Brault share their family’s experience: “For nearly 10 years, the ICSS farm was the place where our daughter was needed… The animals had to be fed and tended to, rain or shine. Pens had to be cleaned. Eggs had to be collected, then carried to the homes or sold. Seedlings were started early in the greenhouse. In spring and summer there were vegetables to plant and tend, and in the fall there was a harvest to bring in.
“We saw what that did for her. Time outdoors among the animals grounded her and connected her to the people working beside her. It was a place where everyone …had a real sense of purpose. (Our daughter) was proud of what they accomplished each day.”
Parents Maria and John Barker write: “The farm also gave our son and the others a sense of pride that they were doing useful activities and contributing in a meaningful way. There was a focus on the many things they could do, not the things they could not.”
The Sow and Grow farm has proven its value in the past. Now it is important to our families and our participants to bring it back.
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The structured, sensory-rich environment of the farm provides a peaceful yet highly productive space for adults to thrive. It’s more than just farm.
We SO badly need our farm up and running again!!! I mean, look how happy everyone is! The property is beautiful, outstanding, but just sitting there. 💔
It would be amazing to bring back the farm to the programming. My son truly enjoyed his time there. It’s great for them to be out in nature and with animals.
I would like to express my support to ICSS reopening their sow and grow program. I know this is a great program that will be able to help so many individuals.
The workers learn so much there and learn to become independant. So wonderful to work among them. They are the best
As a Lions member my dad has a tree planted in his memory along with many other Lions member. Its a place i can go and be near him.