Our Mission
The Homestead Farm Center Project, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2014, is dedicated to opening opportunities to individuals with disabilities to work, learn, live, and thrive in a rural farm setting. Located on 100 acres of the historic Thomas Steele farm in beautiful Taylor County, West Virginia, the farm center offers educational opportunities and work experience in agricultural industries to clients with developmental disabilities. Homestead Farm Center’s RURAL (Rural to Urban Agricultural Learning) Initiative is designed to help individuals with disabilities to grow in independence, career readiness, and overall well-being through training in agriculture, organic gardening, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, cooking, and nutrition. RURAL helps participants apply the skills they have gained at the Homestead Farm Center to their everyday lives. In addition, our clients work on improving their own health and wellness and have access to recreational activities with their peers and families. Donations are tax deductible.
December Day at the Farm
Saturday, December 16th from 10-1
Open to individuals with disabilities and their families. This will be our final year for creating nativity scenes from pallet wood. Participants can make a display of the holy family, the shepherds, or the wise men. This makes for a beautiful Christmas decoration for inside or outside the home, we will also be making rice crispy Christmas tree treats and Christmas cards. Participants should plan to bring a lunch or snack and meet at the classroom. Please check our Facebook page in case of inclement weather and register at Homesteadfarmcenter@gmail.com
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RURAL PROGRAM 2023
April – October 2023 The RURAL Farm Trainee Program
This summer has been packed full with learning and activities. Trainees began the season in April preparing the raised bed garden and high tunnels for planting. We raised several new vegetables in the high tunnels this year including parthenogenic eggplant, zucchini, and cucumbers. We also planted three beds of sweet potatoes and white onions and both were very successful. Over 100 bags of fresh vegetables, food staples, and recipes were delivered to patients at Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. Trainees also expanded their skills with craft making including polymer clay beads, handmade soaps, natural dyes, and rigid heddle loom weaving.
May – October
We had some great farm tours this year and made some new friends from Doddridge County Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, and Grafton High School. We also welcomed back students from Corridor Chapter Autism Society and the Disability Action Center’s Camp-Can-Do.
August
We held our annual BBQ Dinner on Saturday, August 12 and it was a great success. We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported Homestead Farm Center, those that donated gifts and prizes for our raffles, and our hard working board members, volunteers and staff. Special thanks to Jacob Green and Joe Manchin for providing the live music for the event. Next year will be the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration, tentatively scheduled for August 10, 2024!
Upcoming Events at Homestead Farm Center
Day at the Farm
Join us the 3rd Saturday of September, December, March and April. for classes featuring crafts and homesteading skills. See our Program Page for the schedule.
Contact HFC to register
Spring Lambfest
May 11, 2024 from 10-1. A fun family event featuring crafts, cookies, and plant sales, carnival games for kids, and a chance to meet our new spring lambs. FREE ADMISSION!
Fall Festival at the Farm
November 4, 2023 from 10-12
Come out to the farm to visit Tom the Turkey, enjoy some festive craft activities, hot cocoa and apple cider, and visit our sheep in their winter coats. FREE ADMISSION!
Phone
304-366-3213
homesteadfarmcenter@gmail.com
Address
1039 Burns Farm Road, Grafton, WV 26354