If you had told me a few years ago that we’d be clearing land for a farm right now—chainsaws buzzing, notebooks full of nonprofit regulations, I probably would’ve laughed (or cried... depending on the day). And yet, here we are. The dream that’s been living in our hearts for so long is finally being planted both literally and figuratively and its name is Harvesting Hope Acres.

This isn’t just a farm we’re building. It’s a lifeline. It’s a future. It’s hope, planted in soil.

I’m not just the founder of this nonprofit, I’m a mom. My son, Jacob, has autism, and he is the reason this farm exists. Like so many parents of children with disabilities, I’ve spent years wondering: What happens when the school buses stop coming? What comes after graduation, when the support drops off and the world gets quieter?

The truth is, over 80% of individuals with disabilities remain unemployed, not because they can’t work, but because the world hasn’t made room for them to.

That has to change. And for Jacob, and others like him, we're going to be that change.

Right now, we’re still in the early stages. The land is wild and tangled, the paperwork is overwhelming, and there are more rules than I ever imagined. I’m learning words like “bylaws,” “501(c)(3),” and “articles of incorporation” none of which come with instructions, by the way. But every frustrating phone call, every grant application, every splinter is worth it.

Because this farm…It’s for Jacob, and not just him, it's for all the individuals with disabilities who are ready and willing to contribute, but have nowhere to do it.

Our vision for Harvesting Hope Acres is big, but it starts small:

• Wheelchair-accessible garden beds and paths

• Gentle animals to care for

• A crafting space for creating cool items to sell or give away 

• Real opportunities to learn, grow, and feel pride in a job well done

We’re building a place where individuals with disabilities are not just welcomed but needed. A place where they can harvest purpose, skill, friendship, and confidence…one day, one seed at a time.

Right now, we’re planting the very first seeds. Not in the ground, but in the hearts of everyone who believes in a more inclusive future.

If you're reading this, you're part of that seed. You're part of our beginning. And I’m so grateful you’re here.

With hope,
Allison Hill
Founder, Harvesting Hope Acres Inc.
Harvesting Hope. Growing Possibilities.