It takes a village to raise a child, especially one with a disability. The world can feel lonely for special needs families. Join our conversation, fall in love with our mission at Homesteads for Hope, and feel supported during these difficult times. Our podcast offers a raw, unfiltered perspective on difficult topics that need to be discussed. By raising awareness, we fuel the advocacy needed to create a future where people of all ages and abilities can live a life of purpose. With each episode, learn from and be inspired by people who think outside of the box and feel empowered to “move the mountains†getting in your way.
Episode 124: In this enlightening podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of music and its power to transform lives, specifically young girls. Our guest is Amanda Ashley from Girls Rock Rochester, a non-profit that uses music to instill confidence in girls and guide them through the often male-dominated music industry. Amanda shares the inspiring stories of Mike and Rebecca, two apprentices from Homesteads for Hope, who went from exploring their passion for music to forming their own band, all under the supportive environment of Girls Rock Rochester. We discuss the crucial role of respect, acceptance, and empowerment in fostering inclusivity and how music can serve as a bridge in a world teeming with differences. Join us on this empowering musical journey where we're not just hitting the right notes, but also transforming lives along the way.https://girlsrockrochester.org/
In this episode, you will meet David Palermo, a dedicated Homesteads Board Member and Financial Advisor. He will share how he came to know about our community farm and future housing village and why he feels our mission is investment worthy.David will also shed light on different ways our community members can donate to nonprofits beyond cash or check. You will appreciate his direct, easy to understand way of describing finances and we think that by the end of this episode, you will feel empowered to PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS.Thank you to RocVox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you will meet Mark Olson the CEO LTO Ventures. Jenny met him at the beginning our her nonprofit journey and wanted to share some of his wisdom with our audience. Mark is an amazing person who has made it is his life's work to help communities build housing villages all over the country. Take some notes, dig into this content and let us know if you'd like Mark back on our show to answer your questions. You will learn how each state is navigating the need for housing, especially for those with special needs. Mark will tell you about some of the more progressive waiver programs and ideas to advocate for in your hometown. Please visit Mark's website to learn more: https://www.ltoventures.org/ Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode you'll learn about some of the history of our canalside property, as well as a sneak peak into what the future holds for Homesteads for Hope.This episode includes some unique perspectives from our Founder and CEO, Jennyrae Brongo (whose Great Uncle previously owned the property), our local Assembly Member Josh Jensen (who grew up in our area and majored in history), and our Canal Way Grant Representative, Andy Marzo.Our conversation will touch on some of the reasons why our history-rich campus stands out and is memorable, as well as the need for some updates and upgrades to improve accessibility for people with varying physical and safety needs.Many people have heard of accessible playgrounds...Homesteads for Hope strives to be one the first truly accessible farms with a campus that offers a continuum of opportunities for people of all abilities. Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you'll get to know Laura Bentley and Darrell Morgan who specialize in meeting your Kubota equipment needs at Bentley Brothers in Albion and Brockport.Last year, right around this time, we were looking for a tractor and stumbled across Kubota's 50th anniversary contest. We fill out grant applications every day and they can be painful – but – this was a quick and easy form asking why we were making our HOMETOWN PROUD.It took 5 minutes and we made it to the finals. People across the country began voting for Homesteads for Hope and we ended up winning the grand prize of $200K!!Learn what we have done with this monumental gift and how we have developed a meaningful relationship with Bentley Brothers. Kubota and specifically, our friends at Bentley Brother are champions of the farm and are a great example of how local businesses can make a real difference in communities like ours!
In this episode, you will meet two amazing women who are fellow MOUNTAIN MOVERS! Teena is a self-advocate and well-known for her "suitcase" presentation where she unpacks what life looks like for people with disabilities. Julie not only works to support families who have loved ones with special needs, she also has two children on the Spectrum. Navigating adulthood can be hard enough and then adding in the need for some accommodations and safeguards can be daunting. Our guests teamed up with us to talk with us about the idea that EVERYONE NEEDS A PLACE TO CALL HOME - A place that feels like home because there is CHOICE and the respect and dignity to build a life around what personally matters to each person. As the discussion unfolds, you'll realize that while our current housing reality is tough, there have been times that even fewer options were available. Lean into this conversation and learn how we can "work" our current system and advocate for change. We hope you leave the discussion with some ideas and peace of mind knowing you are not alone. Thank you to RocVox for helping us share this important content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, we showcase a SIMPLE, but incredibly life-changing spelling method for people who struggle with traditional, verbal communication. Learn about this way to help non-speakers or unreliable speakers unlock their ideas, so they can share them and be finally be heard!Some spellers were adults when they were first shown a letterboard. Others were much younger, but regardless of age, they all end up saying the same thing - They wish their families had known about it sooner. Which is why we are doing this podcast, in hopes of spreading awareness and sparking hope in families who may have given up on truly communicating with their loved ones.It takes extreme patience to be trapped in a body that doesn't work and for people to assume you are intellectually delayed. You will see why we owe it to everyone in this situation to presume confidence and to fight the urge to believe what IQ scores imply. For all the families who "just know" their loved one has more to say then they can express with their device or picture cards - THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU!The women in this episode are pioneers and their dedication to sharing this method will change lives across the globe. Thank you Mary and Amy! We are releasing this episode to coincide with our special spelling to communicate two-day event. Please check our website for details for on our Aug 12th and 13th events - You won't want to miss them!Thank you to Dawnmarie Gaivin who is traveling in from California to join us and share her perspective on this "revolution."
In this episode, you will learn how some students, families, and teachers feel about the day the SCHOOL BUS STOPS COMING... Everyone's journey is different, but some of the feelings and hurdles span across people and places. Our guests give us a sneak peak on how services and supports can look after graduation. We will discuss what's working and what is falling short. Sadly, many of the programs and housing options that families hoped would embrace their loved ones with special needs are closing or running at limited capacity, which means many people are "stuck at home" with aging family members.
Thousands of people tuned into part one of this series were we are inviting NYS employees who work in group homes to share their perspective on what is happening behind closed doors. and have eagerly anticipated this follow-up episode. The is episode will standout with a deeper dive into the I/DD Crisis. We are proud to showcase a perspective that often goes unheard on a topic not many people are fully aware of... Join us to hear from OPWDD staff members who are on the frontlines and have been serving people with special needs for 10+ years each. We will share some of the scary realities happening "behind closed doors" and given the nature of this conversation, please be advised that this content may not be appropriate for all audience members. This episode is part one in a series of episodes we are dedicating to Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) also known as aides, caregivers, and sidekicks. WE SEE YOU and stand with you. Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this very important content with our audience and encourage everyone to SHARE THIS EPISODE. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you will join in on a conversation with two NYS Assembly Members who are dedicated to the special needs community, Sarah Clark & Jen Lunsford. Listen to their ideas regarding advocacy and new legislation and let us know your thoughts on these important topics. People with disabilities deserve CHOICE and with so many traditional options crumbling, we all need a seat at the table to problem solve. We are grateful that our legislators joined us and thank RocVox for helping us share this valuable content (www.RocVox.com).
This episode will standout with a deeper dive into the I/DD Crisis. We are proud to showcase a perspective that often goes unheard on a topic not many people are fully aware of... Join us to hear from OPWDD staff members who are on the frontlines and have been serving people with special needs for 10+ years each.We will share some of the scary realities happening "behind closed doors" and given the nature of this conversation, please be advised that this content may not be appropriate for all audience members.This episode is part one in a series of episodes we are dedicating to Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) also known as aides, caregivers, and sidekicks.WE SEE YOU and stand with you.Thank you to ROC Vox Studios for helping us share this very important content with our audience and encourage everyone to SHARE THIS EPISODE.
In this episode, you will meet Jackie Bartell a friend and mentor. Jackie is a retired special education teacher and has advanced training to be a certified DIR instructor. DIR (also known as Floortime) is a relationship based approach to support people on the Austim Spectrum. Jackie talks candidly with us about her travels around the world, the families she has supported, and about what happens when "Autism Grows Up." Her perspective offers valuable insight for self-advocates, the people who care about them, and professionals. Today's content has the potential to shift the way you think about Autism and we hope with new insight, you feel better equipped to manage all the different twists and turns adults with Autism face. Thank you to RocVox for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you will meet Simcha Weinstein and learn how his role as a father has evolved, especially now as he faces some hard truths regarding what the future holds for his son with special needs.Simcha uses humor to cope with some of the stressors life throws his way, but not everything can be laughed off. Simcha wants to share some of his story in hopes of inspiring other families who are facing similar challenges.He came up with the term DAD-vocating because he wants to remind fathers that their role is important and can look different than their spouse's. Lean in, listen, and absorb some of his wisdom, enjoy some moments of laughter, and hopefully find yourself reflecting on what you can do to improve the lives of people with special needs.Thank you to RocVox for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you will learn why Andy Gallina is HOMESTEADS HERO! Andy is known as a developer with heart, revitalizing parts of our community that needed some TLC and the vision that Andy possesses. Our CEO & Founder grew up with the Gallina's who have watched her family struggle to navigate antiquated systems that no longer serve the special needs community. Their support has been invaluable. Andy's endorsement means the world to us. He is more than a philanthropist, he is a business man with a good eye for investments. He sees our farm as worthy of attention and support and we hope you enjoy learning more as you enjoy this episode. Thank you to RocVox for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you will meet two of our apprentices - Emily and Adam. Our apprentices are why the farm exists and their hard work is why it is so amazing! As you listen to them share about their lives and what they love about Homesteads for Hope, think of how many people with I/DD long for the sense of community they describe. It is estimated that 2/3 of the people who qualify for services/programming do NOT have fulltime options available to them. The pandemic disrupted many routines. While most of us are resuming our normal routines, many people in the special needs community remain "stuck at home." We will continue to advocate for this population and appreciate RocVox for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you will meet a mom we know and love here at the farm! Linda will tell you some of her experiences raising a child with different needs and how she has "gotten creative more than once" when traditional options did not work for her son. Heather and Jenny chime in throughout this episode to increase awareness regarding some common obstacles parents face. By the end of the show, you will see why doctors, teachers, and other professionals assigned to our loved ones should LISTEN TO THE MOTHER! Thank you to RocVox for helping us share Linda's wisdom. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you'll meet Krista Mason who founded Benjamin's Hope, an intentional community in Holland, Michigan. Krista is a gracious mentor who will share some of the hopes and fears she had as she developed her own community, as well as provide hope and insight for others interested in cultivating new opportunities for people with special needs. You will love Krista's sweet, but fierce demeanor. She knows first-hand how it feels to have a child who does not fit into traditional options, which explains her drive, and why she continues to impact people beyond her community. Thank you, RocVox for helping us share Krista's story. www.rocvox.com
This episode dives into a topic that keeps many parents up at night - What happens when the school bus stops coming? All families are understandably stressed when high school ends because it marks a major transition. This is an especially stressful time for special needs families. With our guests, we will not only discuss why this dramatic decrease in services is referred to as "the cliff," we will also share ways to avoid some common pitfalls. This episode does not offer any "magic bullets," but reviews what your rights are and some proven ways to advocate. For those with the time and energy, listen up for ways you can help create systematic changes that are long overdue (like visiting the NYADD Facebook Page). Thank you RocVox for helping us share this important information. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, our team answers some questions from you - Our audience! We spend going over some details that not everyone knows about Homesteads for Hope and offer up the answers you're looking for. What we share comes from the heart and even if you are not located near us, you will be energized by what we are cultivating at our farm. We hope it inspires you to create something new and innovative in your own backyard. We are proud to serve over 600 families now and plan to at least double that over the next year! We increase our impact by raising awareness and sharing our model. Thank you for joining us for this conversation and thank you to RocVox for giving us the space and guidance to make this podcast a reality. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you'll meet Farmer Chris and Helen! They will tell you what originally drew them to our farm and what keeps them here. We will discuss the organic practices we follow and how we structure our Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA). You will see how creating meaningful farming experiences for the people enrolled in our programs, not only feeds 100s of people in the Rochester area, but also helps our apprentices find their purpose and learn how it feels to be a valued, productive member of a team. Even if our farm is not local to you, you're sure to walk away with ideas to support people of all abilities in your community. Thank you, RocVox for sharing this part of our story. www.rocvox.com
This episode includes upsetting content regarding the profound mistreatment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). While some progress has been made since Geraldo's original documentary was released in 1972, people with I/DD remain one of the largest unrecognized minority groups in the US and are still fighting to have the same rights as other citizens (like choice over where they live, what they do during the day, etc.). Learn more, 50th Anniversary of Willowbrook: https://tinyurl.com/2tpwswte. While this topic is hard hitting, stories of courageous families fighting back will inspire hope and give our audience ideas on ways they can advocate in their own backyard. Thank you RocVox for helping us raise awareness with this valuable content. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, we will tell you all about the 200 year old estate home on our property. A once beautiful landmark for people driving by or boating on the Erie Canal needs a lot of TLC. When we purchased the property, we knew renovations were needed, but as we served more people and got a better idea of what our community needs, the FOREVER HOMESTEAD Project has evolved. You will learn about the ups and downs leading to us breaking ground and our excitement about what is to come. Our guest, Jon Gatti of Gatti Plumbing shares from the perspective of a community member, a business owner, and someone with a loved one who has Autism. You will see why he believes in our mission and urges other businesses to step up and help Homesteads. Thank you to Gatti Plumbing (https://gattiplumbing.com/) and RocVox (www.rocvox.com) for sponsoring this episode.
In this episode, Jenny and Heather will fill you on some highlights of Homesteads for Hope and how this 55-acre property is creating real impact in the special needs community. While many people think of Homesteads for Hope as "just a farm," you will learn about how it has grows much more than produce. You will learn how they use "nature's classroom" to reach people who are often overlooked and underserved. Get the inside scoop on how they have made this unique setting truly inclusive, what programs they currently offer, and exciting new developments that are unfolding this season. By the end of this episide, it will be hard not to fall in love with Homesteads mission and we hope that you feel moved to join us and/or start an intentional community is your hometown. www.homesteadsforhope.org. Thank you RocVox for helping us share this important information. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you'll meet Heather, one of our hosts and the Development Director at Homesteads for Hope. Heather will tell you about how she became an advocate long before many knew what the word "Autism" meant. She will share how her professional background and life experiences have made her a powerful advocate for her own children (all four with varying levels of special need), as well as 1000s across the US. Heather will hit on some hard truths that the special needs community currently faces and while she admits her life is exhausting, you will be impressed with her positive energy and dedication to helping others. For the first time, Heather will share unpublicized details regarding her federal court battle, how she set a legal precedent for the country, and the ways she continues to fight for change through her work at the farm and as a writer, public speaker, and educator. Thank you RocVox for helping us share Heather's story. www.rocvox.com
In this episode, you'll meet Jenny, one of our hosts and the Founder & CEO of Homesteads for Hope. Jenny will tell you about how she grew up a "Sister to Autism" and about some of the valuable lessons she learned at her family's gravel pit. Lean in, as Jenny opens up about parts of her story she rarely shares to get an inside look at why the farm's mission is so important to her. Jenny's raw, unfiltered perspective is refreshing. While she does not claim she has all the answers, you will love some of the solutions she already developed and are sure to be inspired by her future plans to serve people with and without disabilities. Learn more watching her TED Talk: https://tinyurl.com/3ew3yftk. Thank you to our sponsor, RocVox Studio for helping us share Jenny's story. www.rocvox.com
It takes a village to raise a child, especially one with a disability. The world can feel lonely for special needs families. Join our conversation, fall in love with our mission at Homesteads for Hope, and feel supported during these difficult times. Our podcast offers a raw, unfiltered perspective on difficult topics that need to be discussed. By raising awareness, we fuel the advocacy needed to create a future where people of all ages and abilities can live a life of purpose. With each episode, learn from and be inspired by people who think outside of the box and feel empowered to “move the mountains” getting in your way.
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