Most families and caregivers want their loved one’s lives to be improved upon—
For them to be known and valued instead of a number that can become lost in an overcrowded delivery system. At Heritage Farm we provide programs through rural experiences that cultivate the enduring life skills participants need to become more independent and successful.
grow with us
A customized & enriching program that promotes personal growth is waiting for you and your loved one
What makes Heritage Farm different from other service providers?
At Heritage Farm we recognize that you are looking for a customized approach to service that fosters independence and growth for your participant. In order to obtain that, we believe you need to find a unique and enriching program that effectively teaches life skills.
The problem is traditional programming has become somewhat stale and mundane and often fails to provide effective instruction of those crucial life skills. These challenges can leave you feeling frustrated with limited alternatives. We believe you shouldn’t have to feel like your only service option is a defective system that is ill-equipped to prepare your loved one to lead a more independent life. READ MORE…
gain life skills
At Heritage Farm we recognize the need for services in the state of New York and more specifically in Central New York. Even more so we see the need for quality services that will help people with disabilities maintain employment and build independence.
New York State
Number of people in need of these services:
Respite: 44,602
Supported Employment (SEMP) 11,268
Day Habilitation 54,057
Community Habilitation 33,278
Central New York
Number of people in need of these services:
Respite 5,328
Supported Employment (SEMP) 1,501
Day Habilitation 7,355
Community Habilitation 6,157
Source: OPWDD By the Numbers
According to a OPWDD Report in 2014 the following issues were identified as contributing factors which decreased people with developmental disabilities ability to retain a job:
18% of individuals said the job requirements were not a good fit for their skills
• 16% of individuals said they left the job because they no longer wanted to work
• 15% of individuals had behavioral challenges
• 13% of individuals lacked transportation
• 12% of individuals were afraid of losing benefit payments (Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Food Stamps)
• 8% of individuals were laid off
• 8% of individuals were not satisfied with their job
Our mission is to help our participants overcome these challenges by developing a solid and lasting skill set that helps them have a healthy personal and professional life. We prepare participants for the real world and use the farm as our classroom. We’re ready for you and your loved one to come join us at Heritage Farm!
SHELLY C.
HERITAGE FARM PARTICIPANT
This Farm is wonderful, and I have made many friends that I can depend on. We all work together as a team to get the job done. Staff help me learn how to be a better friend with skills I didn’t have before. I have grown from when I first started to come here in 2011. I have gained my independence and am able to work in Transitions and that gives me confidence and pride. Transitions helps me with skills to make myself a better employee at my part time job at McDonalds. My barn chores allow me to have a better understanding of how dependent the animals are on us. We need to be responsible. I enjoy each area on the farm and have learned to stay focused, stay on task, not to be afraid to ask for help and most of all… I have learned to do my very best!
ANGELA D.
MOTHER OF HERITAGE FARM PARTICIPANT
Our daughter started attending Group Day Habilitation and Respite in the beginning of 2019. We are very pleased with the progress she has made. We are very happy with our choice to have her come to the farm... the best choice we could have made for her. She loves the programs.
CASE MANAGER
CASE MANAGER OF HERITAGE FARM PARTICIPANT
Why Heritage Farm? This is a place that fosters independence, while teaching lifelong skills on the farm. Not only is there the day program opportunity available, there is a men’s group, a women’s group, respite and job opportunities available. There are so many unique experiences that you will not find anywhere else. Being able to take on a responsibility such as feeding the animals, delivery of mail, or working on a new project are just some of the roles a member can take on while at the farm. Each building on the farm has a unique daily schedule allowing members of all ages and abilities to attend.
Every donation you give helps people with disabilities gain the skills they need to be successful and independent in life.
It’s an investment that gives back for a lifetime.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE THE LIFE OF YOUR LOVED ONE?
Our FREE guide provides helpful tips and practical tools on building effective relationships.
3 WAYS YOU CAN CONNECT WITH THE FARM!
PARTNER WITH US
BECOME A MEMBER
HELP FEED THE FARM
