Prospect Meadow Farm is the first therapeutic farming community in the Pioneer Valley – providing meaningful agricultural employment for people with developmental disability, autism, or mental health challenges.
Farm Activities
Raising market crops and caring for the animals on our 11-acre chemical-free farm in Hatfield, individuals with developmental disability, autism, or mental health challenges contribute in a meaningful way to the rich agricultural life of the Pioneer Valley.
We build on the experience and interests of each participant, helping them develop vocational skills they may apply to their work at the farm and elsewhere. Through regular workshops, training from job coaches, and hands-on experience gained from serving on work crews, program participants become experienced and knowledgeable in farm work and other careers in agriculture.
Supported Employment
Paid employment at the farm ranges from animal care to field work to customer service. It also includes landscaping, and a catering service which uses many of our own farm products.
Community-Based Day Support
Pre-job training helps individuals transition into our supported employment program. Participants learn the skills needed to be successful in the workplace – from completing timesheets, to communication, to coping with stress. We provide daily transportation for the participants in this program.
Rooting our Futures
In this weekly after-school vocational exploration program for youth (age 14-18) who are developmentally disabled or autistic, students explore farming methods at Prospect Meadow, as well as other agribusinesses in the Pioneer Valley.
Volunteers and Interns Program (VIP)
The farm’s volunteers and interns work with staff to design opportunities that fit their interests and the farm’s needs. Responsibilities range from animal care, gardening, landscaping, and mentoring; to administrative functions such as crop planning and data entry.
Positions are limited, and the farm seeks volunteers with some level of farm/agribusiness-related skills.
Referral Process
Program participants at the farm must be eligible for services through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), and be referred by their DDS caseworker or their school’s special education department.
Farm Shares
Community supported agriculture (CSA) connects Prospect Meadow Farm with our community by inviting local residents to purchase a share of our summer season’s crops. As a member, your contribution will support our work while also filling your table with delicious fresh produce. The shares provide a family of four with fruit, vegetables, and eggs for 19 weeks, from June to October. Each summer, we also include one pound of sausage in July and one pound of bacon in August.
