Farm Caters To All Abilities

Farm Caters To All Abilities Navarro Farm in Frankfort, Ill., offers an inclusive space where people of all intellectual abilities can grow. Founders and visionaries Damion and Sherri Navarro were initially looking for a property to store their construction business’s heavy equipment. “But as we walked through the soybean field, I felt God’s presence to focus on other people’s needs, not our own,” says Damion. Inspiration struck the pair to use the property to create an inclusive farming community that served people like their son, Carter, who was born with a congenital heart defect and Down syndrome. “We’d never farmed before, but the idea was heavy on our hearts,” the Navarros say. “We invested all our savings into this project.” Navarro Farm launched as a nonprofit in September 2020. Since then, it has supported over 600 participants with intellectual disabilities in exploring farming. The property has expanded from its original 5 acres to more than 30, including both owned and rented land. It features a barn, fire pit, fruit orchard, vegetable and flower gardens, vineyard, pumpkin patch, caregiver quarters and plans for a greenhouse. “We were going to knock down the big barn on the property, but a local farmer told us it was sound. Instead, we renovated it, and now it’s a feature point of the property.” Early on, the Navarros ordered semi-loads of gravel to make the farm accessible to all participants and to provide access to dozens of garden beds. “We wanted people of all abilities to interact with the raised beds. It took a lot of Googling to figure out the best systems.” That’s in line with the farm’s mission, which suddenly occurred to Sherri one night. “We want individuals with disabilities to be the face of the farm. Navarro Farm is a place to grow, no matter your abilities.” Today, the farm offers program sessions throughout spring, summer and fall. Programs run from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, with participants divided into groups to work with the raised beds, tend to the animals, prepare produce for resale at Carter’s Corner farmstand, and interact with customers. A chef even leads hands-on dirt-to-dish cooking classes. Selected farmers who have completed all sessions are eligible to apply for training programs to help with field trips, transition schools, corporate teambuilding exercises and more. Beyond this programming, Navarro hosts various community events that keep farmers in the spotlight. Farmer’s Got Talent has become a popular event. A live nativity also keeps things busy during the winter. Once the farm builds a greenhouse, there’s hope for year-round programming. “We’re always seeking donations and volunteer support to accommodate as many participants as possible.” Finding staff can be a challenge. “We work hard to build our teams with people who have a heart for our mission,” says Navarro. The farm’s programming has a much wider impact than just farm work. “We’ve changed the landscape of our community dramatically,” says the Navarros. “People really see the difference in a society where individuals with intellectual disabilities aren’t hidden away but are part of society. The best thing is that we empower our farmers to take ownership of the farm and property. They do a great job.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Navarro Farm, 22155 S. 104th Ave., Frankfort, Ill. 60423 (ph 815-270-2010; hello@navarrofarm.org; www.navarrofarm.org).

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