FOUNDER/CEO

Jennyrae Brongo is the visionary heart behind Homesteads for Hope, a 55-acre community farm in Western New York built to create a true sense of belonging for people of all abilities. Inspired by her own family’s experience, she co-founded the organization in 2013 to address the critical gap that exists for adults with developmental disabilities after they leave the school system.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management Engineering and more than 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Jennyrae has led the transformation of the farm into a hands-on, purpose-driven environment where individuals gain confidence, build real-world skills, and contribute meaningfully to a thriving community.

From agricultural programs and a working farm store to public events and gathering spaces, every aspect of the farm is designed to foster inclusion, independence, and connection.

In 2025, Jennyrae was honored as a New York State Woman of Distinction, recognizing her leadership, advocacy, and lasting impact on families and the broader Rochester community.

Her greatest joy lies in building something that didn’t exist before—a place where people are valued for what they can do, and where community is not just imagined, but lived every day.

OFFICE & HR MANAGER

Ann has been part of the Homesteads for Hope family since the very beginning. A longtime friend of co-founder Luann Brown and a trusted member of the team at Jennyrae’s former business, joining the farm was a natural next step - and one that helped lay the foundation for everything that followed.

Today, Ann keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes as the Office Manager, overseeing human resources, financial operations, and the day-to-day administrative work that keeps the organization running strong. From managing the books to supporting staff, she brings reliability, organization, and a no-nonsense approach to getting things done right.

Known for her steady presence and strong work ethic, Ann is the kind of person who can always be counted on—often with music playing in the background—as she keeps everything on track no matter what the day brings.

Contact:
585.352.4673 Ext. 101

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Nora joined Homesteads for Hope as a part-time grant writer and quickly became an integral member of the team. Over the past two years, her role has grown into Director of Development, where she now leads the organization’s fundraising strategy, manages donor relations, and cultivates partnerships that support the farm’s ongoing growth and impact.

With a background in the small museum field, Nora brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to development work. Her strategic vision is balanced by a genuine warmth and enthusiasm that makes everyone she works with feel connected to the farm’s mission.

A lover of local history—especially the Erie Canal—Nora is just as comfortable exploring the outdoors as she is diving into the details of a grant or campaign. She enjoys hiking, discovering new trails, and bringing curiosity and energy to all aspects of her work.

Driven by a deep commitment to Homesteads for Hope, she is always eager to share the farm’s story and inspire others to get involved.

Contact:
585.352.4673 Ext. 112

FARM DIRECTOR

Chris is the steady force behind the day-to-day rhythm of Homesteads for Hope. As Farm Director, he oversees all farm operations, programs, and coordinators-helping ensure that every part of the farm works together to create a meaningful and productive experience for those we serve.

With more than six years on the farm, Chris brings a deep understanding of both the land and the people who make this place special. From crop planning and production to guiding staff and supporting program participants, his work touches every corner of the organization. Whether he’s behind the wheel of a tractor or checking in with the team, Chris leads with consistency, patience, and pride in doing things the right way.

He’s passionate about growing high-quality produce and creating an environment where people can learn, contribute, and build confidence through hands-on work. During the busiest parts of the season, you’ll still find him out in the fields from dawn to dusk - occasionally fueled by a well-earned pint of mint chocolate cookie ice cream.

Contact:
585.352.4673 Ext. 108

PROGRAMS MANAGER

Abbey graduated from St. John Fisher University in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Special Education and a minor in Psychology—a path deeply shaped by her younger sister, Emily, who had special needs and was a student at Mary Cariola Center. Her close involvement in Emily’s care inspired both her education and her career, providing a foundation for Abbey’s commitment to supporting individuals with diverse abilities.

Since joining Homesteads for Hope, Abbey has brought that dedication and experience to her role as Program Manager, overseeing daily operations, coordinating staff, and guiding programs that empower participants to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to farm life. She is known for her thoughtful leadership, hands-on approach, and ability to create an environment where every participant feels valued and supported.

Outside of work, Abbey’s greatest joy is her family. She shares her life with her husband, Jonnie, and their son, Lucas, along with their two dogs, Myla and Axel, and their cat, Bentley. Whether enjoying a cozy night at home or joining in one of the farm’s many events, Abbey brings warmth, energy, and a sense of community to all she does.

Contact:
585.352.4673 ext 103

CULINARY COORDINATOR

Shannon brings over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, along with a deep passion for teaching, creativity, and community. Her career has included restaurants, private chef work, catering, and wellness-focused environments, giving her a strong foundation in recipe development, food safety, nutrition, and collaborative leadership. Hands-on experience and continuous learning have shaped a practical, adaptable approach to both cooking and instruction.

In April 2024, Shannon designed and launched the culinary programming at Homesteads for Hope, and she continues to guide its growth. Her work connects seasonal farm experiences with real-world cooking skills, helping participants build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections through food.

Beyond the kitchen, she is deeply interested in nutrition, nature, animals, and the connections between food, wellness, and the environment. She also enjoys art, photography, and exploring creative ways to blend education, hands-on experiences, and personal growth. Shannon remains committed to expanding opportunities for participants to engage with food, agriculture, and community while continuing to grow as an educator herself.

Contact:
585.352.4673 Ext. 113

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Samantha joined Homesteads for Hope in 2025 as a Program Coordinator, bringing a thoughtful, hands-on approach to both farm and program work. She plays an active role in the flower fields, supporting everything from early planting to harvest, and helps create an environment where participants can learn, contribute, and take pride in their work.

In addition to her work with crops, Samantha is involved in caring for the farm’s animals and guiding students through daily routines with patience and encouragement. She is passionate about creating meaningful, engaging experiences that balance responsibility with creativity and connection.

Originally from Washington State and now rooted in Rochester, Samantha enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and expressing her creativity through art and music. Her calm presence and attention to detail make her a valued part of the Homesteads for Hope team.

Contact:
585.352.4673 Ext. 110

FARM ASSISTANT MANAGER

Jane joined Homesteads for Hope in 2024 as part of the Care Farming Training Program, using the experience to launch her path toward a future in farming. With a long-term goal of opening her own care farm, she brings curiosity, dedication, and a strong work ethic to everything she does.

After playing a key role in flower operations during her first season, Jane is now focusing more deeply on field production—supporting crop planning, planting, and harvest across the farm. She enjoys all aspects of farm work, but especially takes pride in harvesting high-quality produce and seeing the direct impact of that work throughout the farm.

Outside of the fields, Jane is a creative at heart. You can often find her working on her latest art project, rock climbing, or camping whenever she gets the chance.

ANIMAL COORDINATOR

Barb has been part of Homesteads for Hope since the early days, first joining as a dedicated volunteer before stepping into her role on the farm team. Along the way, she has also supported programs, helping bring farm experiences indoors during the winter months.

This season, Barb will be leading the care of the farm’s animals, including chickens and ducks—with a few four-legged additions on the way. Her steady presence and hands-on approach make her a natural fit for the role.

Outside of the farm, Barb enjoys tending to her own vegetable gardens and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Beth (you can also call her Bee) brings over 30 years of experience spanning technical support, web and graphic design, branding, marketing, and photography - combining strong problem-solving skills with a creative, detail-driven approach. Beginning her career in the late 90s in technical support for an ISP, managing both residential and commercial support teams, while also teaching herself to code and developing internal systems to improve operations.

Over time, Bee expanded her skill set to include design, marketing, photography, and branding - collaborating with a wide range of clients and industries. Her work is rooted in a balance of analytical thinking and artistic vision, with a constant drive to learn, adapt, and create meaningful, engaging experiences.

Outside of work, she is a self-proclaimed nerd who enjoys gaming, anime, and storytelling, often drawing inspiration from immersive worlds and creative media. At the core of Beth’s work is a belief that creativity is a powerful way to connect, inspire, and bring ideas to life. Beth designed the barn quilts now hanging on the barn, collaborating with the community to bring each one to life.

Contact:
585.352.4673, x107

PROGRAMS FACILITATOR

Mary Lowe brings nearly five decades of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to her role at Homesteads for Hope. She began her journey in 1976 as a volunteer with Special Olympics, coaching cross-country skiing and swimming for eight years and serving as a chaperone at both the Connecticut and Idaho State Games. This early commitment to inclusion through athletics laid the foundation for her lifelong career in human services.

After working with ARC in the Catskills and navigating several interstate and international relocations, Mary continued her work in the Rochester area, supporting individuals in Day Habilitation programs, residential group homes, and the Work Without Walls initiative. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into a direct-hire role, where she continues to provide person-centered support.

At Homesteads for Hope, Mary’s passion for horticulture and hands-on learning complements the organization’s agricultural mission. An avid gardener alongside her husband for many years, she enjoys mentoring apprentices in practical life skills, fostering independence, and building confidence through meaningful work on the farm.

FARM ASSISTANT

Steve is a true Homesteads for Hope success story. Through hard work and dedication, he has built a strong set of farming skills and takes pride in every aspect of the work he does on the farm.

A familiar and friendly face, Steve plays an important role in day-to-day farm operations and enjoys connecting with visitors, often sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the produce grown here. He can frequently be found working alongside Farmer Chris, always ready to head out to the fields and lend a hand.

Known for his positive attitude and strong work ethic, Steve is someone everyone enjoys being around—and that’s no coincidence.

FARM STORE ASSOCIATE

Amanda recently joined Homesteads for Hope as a Farm Store Associate and is excited to connect with the community. Originally from central Virginia, she came to Rochester for college and decided to stay, drawn to the area's four seasons and vibrant arts culture.

A lifelong learner, Amanda enjoys reading, watercolor painting, sewing, gardening, kayaking, and exploring local breakfast spots. She describes herself as a big supporter of local food and loves spending time outdoors, making Homesteads a natural fit.

She's looking forward to meeting new people, sampling the store's offerings, and being part of an organization that aligns with her values. Amanda also hopes to grow her sales skills while learning more about farming and gardening.

Outside of work, she's usually planning her next adventure - her bucket list includes visiting as many national parks as possible. And if she could have any superpower? Teleportation, so she could travel even more and experience new food, art, culture, and people.

Susan joined Homesteads for Hope as our new Farm Store Associate in May. After spending 25 years as a high school art teacher, she's excited to begin this new chapter and get to know the Homesteads community.

Born in Hawaii, Susan enjoys baking, hiking, kayaking, and just about anything on the water. She's a fan of sci-fi movies, psychological thriller books, and pizza, and hopes to one day travel to Iceland and Scotland.

What drew her to Homesteads was the mission, the outdoors, and the welcoming atmosphere that brings people together to learn and grow. She's looking forward to meeting new people, learning more about the farm, and becoming part of the community.