Thriving & Learning Through Farming & Food
As most of you may know, “Amish Country” is a pretty expansive place to live and visit. There is so much going on at any one place or time, it would take me hundreds of pages to cover in just one issue. Recently though, it was brought to my attention by a friend, that I should check out a well deserving organization that has done a lot of good for a bunch of communities over the years. As most of our readership knows, Amish Country News is all about supporting great causes & charities in our own way in and around “Amish Country”. I had connected with Linda Strauss, one of the last founding parent connected to the Homefield {a nonprofit 501©(3) organization}, online and via phone to get permission to do this article, gather information, and visit the care farm. I was received well and gained permission from Linda to write my article. So, I packed up my camera & notebook and headed out to get more information regarding the Homefields Organization Care Farm and see what they’re all about.
I was made aware that Homefield is an award-winning non-profit organization for over 30-Years, with a 19-acre property/ farm that provides jobs, homes, and life options to people with disabilities. Community members from other organizations such as Friendship Community, Community Services Group, and the Occupational Development Center are regular volunteers at Homefield. Homefield and their community supported agriculture (CSA) program is the longest running program in Lancaster County, growing certified organic food for more than 135 families per season. In addition, last season, Homefield donated over 2,400 pounds of surplus vegetables to food banks such as the Loft Community Partnership and the Lancaster County Food Hub. Recently, Homefield was awarded a $22,000 “Level Up & Launch” grant from the United Way of Lancaster County. This is a matching grant and a great opportunity to support school-aged children as they grow towards independence from four different local high schools to come to Homefields’ Care Farm to learn vocational skills that can lead to a real job for the future. This will continue to allow the Homefield Care Farm to provide an agricultural workforce training program and continue on building long standing relationships with area educational institutions, as they have from the start. One to bring to mention is Millersville University.
Upon arriving in Millersville, PA and at the Homefields Organization Care Farm, I was greeted by Linda directly and warmly. I soon found out that Homefields is a family endeavor from the heart of love for this community. Originated by founders Tom Strauss, Jr and wife Linda, along with four other families. Their son Dave Strauss is currently the Homefield Volunteer Chair of Media. Upon approaching a receiving area with Linda, she introduced me to Andrew Phillips, Farm Manager. After greetings and introductions from some of the other staff, Andrew and I headed out for the farm grounds. I was introduced to a few green houses, some crops developed & in-development, a beehive or two, and a fascinating insect housing model of sorts, that promote an ecological balance of friendly bugs for the farm and their crops, all with a great story. Along with the multiple buildings on the farm, I was taken to the main barn and on the outside was a huge, beautiful mural that decorated the barn. But the most beautiful part of the farm, in my opinion, were the people. I met Farmhand Christina Waple – a third-generation farmer, Farmhands Cristian Phibbs & Brad Turner, and Assistant Farm Manager Tony Beers among others. It was a great tour to get to know Homefield better.
But the final chapter of my visit was a special tour by Linda Strauss to a special place near to her heart. After a good distance of a walk on a long path, we came to a partially wooded uphill area just outside of one of the fields. There, I was introduced to a specially marked area in remembrance of Tom Strauss, Jr, who passed away in 2022. In this location, there is an “Elyse Jurgen” designed native plant Garden in this south western corner of the farm. Underneath a ginkgo tree that Linda had planted several years ago, located in an unglazed urn made by Jane Broadbent, a potter and volunteer at Homefields where Tom’s ashes reside. Tom’s wish was to remain with Homefields, and there, under the ginkgo tree, the falling leaves shinning yellow. This spot was truly a warm and beautiful location. I can see how Tom would love this spot, as it overlooks the majority of the Homefield Care Farm. In that special spot was also a special stone, in the shape of a heart and placed perfectly in this meaningful location of the farm.
What I learned about this special community, being the Homefield, was this is a special place where Education is always ongoing. Where a unique group of people can find Jobs, Food, Housing, and Volunteerism, in learning about Conservation. With over 147 educational workshops and seminars so far in their “Experience Homefield” program still giving, in the hopes of feeding and educating others. In all of that, we find Love & Community. I hope you find out how special the Homefield is, as I did, and will assist them with your support in their endeavors. If you wish to learn more about Homefield you can visit their website to learn more at : https://www.homefields.org/ .
Be well, be involved, and stay positive!