Our Story: Turning Dirt into Dreams
The Founding Board in 2013: In Memory of Luann Brown & Olena Lylak
Planting Seeds of HOPE…
Our Founders, Luann and Jennyrae Brongo felt hopeless trying to find services for Charles “Chucky” Brongo after he graduated from the school system at age 21. Despite unwavering advocacy and a relentless search for options, the family was not able to secure the assistance and support they needed. They spent endless days and nights praying for a miracle. One random day, Jenny & Chucky went to “Uncle Bobs” farm down the street, adventuring around the canal side farm, Jenny did a quick Google search of “Farms for Autism” and realized there were hundreds of Care Farms & Intentional Communities across the country. That very evening, Luann and Jenny started dreaming of a better future for their family, praying to win the lottery to create the first working farm and housing community for people with disabilities in New York State.
If the system worked, we wouldn't be pioneering change…
Raising a child with an intellectual and developmental disability presents numerous challenges, especially as they transition into a new world of adulthood. The lack of available support and services can leave families feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Traditional day programs, work programs, and group homes are nearly non-existent and families are left to find their own solutions. Now, more than ever families and advocates are creating new self-directed, community based opportunities to serve this population allowing more choice, dignity, and purpose.
Growing People’s Unique Abilities in Nature’s Classroom…
At Homesteads for Hope, we are dedicated to nurturing a community where individuals with and without disabilities thrive, finding purpose and belonging through the transformative power of agriculture. Through our Community Farm experience, we strive to empower individuals with disabilities by providing meaningful opportunities for skill development, social engagement, and personal growth. We believe in the healing power of nature and the strength of a supportive community, fostering an environment where everyone is valued and embraced for their unique abilities. We are committed to redefining the boundaries of inclusion, promoting a society where differences are celebrated and where each person is recognized for the valuable role they play at the Community Farm.
Serving over 600 families…
Today, Homesteads for Hope is a one-of-a-kind community farm that fosters independence by promoting skills training, socialization, self-awareness, and career exploration. We are honored to serve this community through programs, classes, memberships, and events on our organically practiced farm.
With effortless inclusion and a focus on our region’s future, we continue to craft collaborative partnerships to create an agritourism center with authentic and sustainable enterprise models. Thanks to gracious community support, we were able to develop new enterprises on the farm, including:
2019 The Farm Store opened
2020 CSA Food Share begins
2021 Café opened and private event rentals became available
2022 The Harvest Pizza & Grill opened
2023 The Forever Homestead Community Center was completed
Our Mission
Our Mission is to inspire individuals with disabilities, and their families to grow their unique abilities, purpose, and sense of belonging to create a meaningful and productive life in nature’s classroom.
Our Vision
Our Vision is dedicated to nurturing and cultivating an inclusive community that celebrates all abilities, where everyone can learn, work, live and grow together.
“I don't know where I would be without Autism. It’s like someone gave me a mission in life to be a voice for those who didn't have one. My brother Chucky is a non-verbal hero. His story is paving the way.”
— Jennyrae Brongo, Founder & CEO - TEDx Rochester 2018
“He feels, and we feel a real sense of family, acceptance and just belonging. Mike’s 40 years old and he hasn’t really found his place in the world until I think… here”
— Linda Debellis, Member of the Farm - 2019
Proud National Members of Together for Choice, To unite to protect and advance the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live, work, and thrive in a community or setting of their choice.
The Care Farming Network advances the therapeutic use of farming practices by connecting new and established agricultural-based programs to build capacity, increase quality, and provide technical support.
Our Staff Team
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Jennyrae Brongo
FOUNDER/CEO
Jennyrae is the heart & soul of Homesteads for Hope, dedicated to providing families like her own a genuine sense of belonging. With a Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management Engineering, and 15 years of entrepreneurship, she's turning our vision into reality by spearheading the 55 acre development of Western New York's first Inclusive “Learn, Work & Live” intentional Community. Her true joy lies in constructing our dreams, for a better future for all families.
Contact: Jenny@homesteadsforhope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 105
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Chris Krivanek
FARM MANAGER
Chris is the man behind the scenes. He works tirelessly to plan, organize, and grow our nature based classroom with our wonderful produce here at Homesteads for Hope. Chris can be found working from dawn until dusk behind the wheel of a tractor, sometimes with a pint of mint chocolate cookie ice cream during the busy season. Chris takes great pride in growing only the best produce and teaching our apprentices along the way.
Contact: Chris@homesteadsforhope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 108
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Ann Saylor
OFFICE & HR MANAGER
Ann has been part of the Homesteads for Hope family since the beginning. Best friends with co-founder Luann Brown and employed at the gravel pit Jennyrae owned, it was just a natural fit for Ann to come over to Homesteads for Hope and become the Office Manager, Human Resources, and head of accounting. Ann can be found jamming to music and getting the job done no matter what.
Contact: Ann@homesteadsforhope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 101
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Alexis Manuel
ENTERPRISE MANAGER
Alexis joined Homesteads for Hope after showing up for an event and just so happened to sit behind Jennyrae. She tapped Jennyrae on the shoulder to ask what Homesteads for Hope was, and immediately asked how she could help. After spending the summer volunteering in the Harvest Pizza Grill and the Blue Jean Ball, she was offered a job running the enterprises around the farm, including running events, weddings, and volunteer coordination. There is a running joke about how Alexis should just bring a mattress with her to work and move in since she is always here.
Contact: Alexis@homesteadsforhope.org
585.35.4673 Ext. 109
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Mariah Smith
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Mariah came to Homesteads for Hope as a volunteer and quickly fell in love with the people and the mission. She officially came on board in February of 2023 as part of the programs team. Mariah has a BA in Psychology and ASL (American Sign Language) from the University of Rochester. Her background and passion for people brought her here, but if they keep letting her dig potatoes she'll stay forever.
Contact: Mariah@homesteadsforhope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 110
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Therese Flannery
PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Therese has been a longtime follower of Homesteads for Hope and after spending years in the education field makes an excellent addition to the team. She takes great pride in her work and is so proud to be a part of the Apprentices journey’s. Therese has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Children’s Psychology. Therese has also fallen in love with the chickens on the property and is lovingly referred to as our Chicken Tender.
Contact: Therese@homesteadsforhope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 111
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Alyssa T.
FARM STORE & CAFE ASSISTANT
Alyssa is one of our success stories. She began at Homesteads for Hope as an apprentice and fell in love with the farm. She wanted to be here and did all the hard work to reach her goals of becoming independent and gaining employment. Alyssa can be found in the Farm Store & Café whipping up the best breakfast sandwiches and Rowdy Roosters, and educating everyone about Homesteads for Hope. Everyone is immediately enchanted by Alyssa’s big smile and winning personality.
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Taylor Ballard
FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR
Taylor is a Fundraising Coordinator for Homesteads for Hope, bringing her lifelong passion for philanthropy to her work with the organization. She has been actively involved in fundraising efforts for various organizations since she was a teenager, and began volunteering with Homesteads in 2016. Taylor is committed to positively impacting the world and actively works towards her mission with Homesteads. In her free time, Taylor enjoys photography, live music, and spending quality time with her son born in August 2023.
Contact: Taylor@HomesteadsforHope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 106
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Steve V.
CSA ASSISTANT & FARM CREW
Steve is another Homesteads for Hope success story. Steve worked very hard to gain the skills needed to be a farmer and he takes great pride in everything farm related. Steve helps run the CSA pickups and loves telling people about the produce we grow here. Steve will often be found right next to Farmer Chris ready to get out to the fields.
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Nora Venezky
GRANT WRITER
Nora comes to Homesteads for Hope from the small museum field and is excited to support the grant writing and fundraising efforts of the organization. She loves local history and the history of the Erie Canal, feel free to quiz her about it anytime! She loves being outside and in nature and can be found hiking on the weekends. She is excited to work with existing funders and donors to learn what they love about Homesteads for Hope and share her passion for the organization with anyone who will listen.
Contact: Nora@HomesteadsforHope.org
585.352.4673 Ext. 112
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Barbara Hull
FARM ASSISTANT
Barb came to Homesteads for Hope as a dedicated volunteer back in the beginning. While she started as a farm assistant, she has also worked with programs to help bring the farm inside during the winter. When Barb is not working, she spends time nurturing her own gardens, vegetables and spending valuable time with her grandchildren and family
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![Membership & Volunteer Coordinator]()
Nicholas Rosati
MEMBERSHIP & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Nick is a new addition to the team and is so excited to hit the ground running! With experience in festival and event coordination as well as community services, he couldn't be more thrilled to engage with the entire Homesteads family. Nick is passionate about bringing people together and creating spaces for them to fully enjoy themselves and the world around them. He enjoys hiking, swimming, and more importantly, apple white grape juice. You can find him on his off days at your local thrift store or random estate sales.
Contact: Nick@homesteadsforhope.org
585.352.4673 Ex 102
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George & Kate
EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
George and Kate are Farmer Chris’ dogs and they are the best behaved employees. They run chicken security and are certified hug therapists. George will take payment in pets and Kate loves to give kisses whether you want them or not.
Our Board of Directors
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Deb Lynch, Board President
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Paul Montanarello, Board Vice President
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Brian Brase, Treasurer
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Jane Moore, Secretary
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Mike Baum
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Charles Gannon
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David Palermo
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Chris Flaherty
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This could be you!
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Laurie Wiest
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Cindy Huussen
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Dan Martucci
News & Media
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![Four People in Kayaks paddling to shore in the Erie Canal. Accessible kayaking.]()
FREE Inclusive Kayaking with Grant from NYS On the Canals
Rochester Business Journal
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![Student from Holley Schools working in a construction site with teacher on other side of unfinished window.]()
Holley students build barn for Homesteads for Hope
13 Wham
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![Program apprentices walking in a line through the farm crops to a utility vehicle. Learning vocational skills on a care farm.]()
A farm where hope grows
Rochester Beacon
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![Male talking into microphone podium advocating for people with disabilities.]()
Local advocates call on state leaders to expand housing options for people with disabilities
WXXI News
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Kubota Awards $600,000 in “Kubota Hometown Proud” Grants Nationwide
Kubota USA
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![Two Oaks Construction Employees presenting a check donation for a new roof for the community center.]()
Oaks Construction installed a roof, for free, Tuesday on a 200-year-old home
Oaks Construction
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![Founder Jenny Brongo standing in front of the completed Forever Homestead Community Center with a male from ESL.]()
Planting Seeds for Progress
ESL Federal Credit Union
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![Four people holding a large check donation from Tops Supermarket.]()
Homesteads for Hope receives $5,000 to expand community garden
Westside News
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![Homesteads for Hope Farm with Green House and Barn and setting sun and Erie Canal in the background.]()
Homesteads for Hope offers farm life for all
Rochester Business Journal
