The Community and Homefields
Our efforts to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to sustainably maintain our land have received wide recognition and support—from individuals, groups, and organizations.
—Grants—
Northeast SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education)
A $26,918 project at Homefields studies planting methods known as Brazilian syntropic farming practices, for high-conservation-value nut tree species in PA. Dr. Christopher S. Stieha, associate professor of biology at Millersville University, is the technical advisor. Trees studied include: Butternut, Hazelnut, Pecan, Allegheny Chinkapin, Bladdernut, and Haskaps. Information gathered will be widely distributed.
The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation
A $25,000 grant allowed us to plant an orchard with raspberry, blackberry and mulberry varieties, and will fund protective therapy for workers’ hands. The trees can be harvested by people with mobility barriers, making this a pertinent project for Homefields, and the bushes mitigate water runoff. Organic berries are also a value product for our CSA.
The United Way awarded Homefields a $22,000 “Level Up & Launch” grant to expand our job-training program (at top left).
Natural Resources Conservation Service,
US Dept. of Agriculture
Over 5 years, the NCRS will grant Homefields $7500 to implement cover crops that improve soil health, using standards and specifications set by them.
The Positive Energy Fund, Millersville University
In a partnership with Millersville University, Homefields received two grants totalling $2500 to grow sustainable spring perennial vegetables and native plants for the two-fold purpose of supporting food security and attracting native pollinators
The Walters/Unitarian Church Trust
an endowment from Arthur and Selma Walters, is helping make our programs a reality. In awarding a $3500 grant, the UUCL board has acknowledged the contribution of Homefields in achieving the vision of inclusiveness among all humans as well as respect for the dignity and worth of each individual, as promoted by the Walters Trust and UUCL.
Sierra Club
Two $500 grants support Homefields’ community engagement at Manor Market Millersville, and our participation in the National Butterfly Association’s July Count. The latter monitors the health of butterfly populations in North America, as well as providing instruction on how to design and create butterfly gardens.
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
granted Homefields 1,200 plant plugs valued at $4 each. The purpose of these plants is to enhance communities by supporting native pollinators in public spaces, but additional benefit to our Care Farm is clear.
—Community Outreach—
Agricultural workforce training program
In 2024, our job-training program expanded to include 40 students with disabilities from three IU13 high schools. They gained valuable real-world experience in all areas of care farming, including food safety and handling, and customer service. In addition to enhancing individual lives, this program will open doors to future employment in nurseries, greenhouses, and other growing environments, for these students and many more to follow.
The Loft Community Partnership team arrives weekly during the growing season to accept surplus organic produce. The Loft is our farm-to-table outreach connection with Manor Township residents who are food insecure.
Conestoga Valley High School
Homefields Care Farm staff advised Conestoga Valley High School in creating raised beds and greenhouses at their location, planting seedlings started at Homefields. CVHS students now grow organic produce served in their cafeteria.
Millersville University’s 3rd Annual Global Goals Conference featured Carol Welsh and Karen Risser on a panel that presented Homefields’ role in fighting food insecurity regionally. This year’s conference was titled Zero Hunger.
F&M College business students conducted a research project at Homefields about our CSA member loyalty. Their findings were useful in planning the current season.
Film-making students from F&M also chose Homefields as their subject, creating a documentary which included interviews with the farm team and co-founder Linda Strauss.
Civic Leadership Award
Homefields received the 2013 Walker Center’s Distinguished Civic Leadership Award from Millersville University, recognizing “individuals or organizations that make noteworthy civic and community contributions of local, regional, national or international impact and who have been a catalyst for encouraging civic engagement on the part of others.”
Urban Preservation Award
Homefields received the C. Emlen Urban Preservation and Honor Award at the 41st Annual Meeting of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County in November 2007. The award was for outstanding effort in preserving and restoring a 140-year-old outbuilding (our current office).
