Mission

Growing People’s Unique Abilities in Nature’s Classroom…

At Homesteads for Hope, we are dedicated to nurturing an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages 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.

Farm Classes
Jenny and Chucky Brongo, Founders of Homesteads for Hope Rochester NY

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.

Drawing of phase three showing our plan for and inclusive housing community along the Erie Canal in Ogden/Spencerport, NY. Our Community Farm offers programs, classes, memberships, CSA Food Share & Events

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.

Serving over 2500 individuals…

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 inclusive 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

  • 2024 We launched Field Trip Fridays

Together For Choice Logo. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) network

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.

Care Farming Network Logo. Therapeutic farming network

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.

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  • "Working in the gardens has been such an incredible experience for me. I absolutely love flowers—they’re so beautiful and delicate, each one unique in its own way. It’s amazing to see how nature works together, especially watching the bees busy pollinating and the butterflies fluttering everywhere. Being surrounded by all this beauty makes me feel so peaceful and connected to the world around me."

  • "I’ve always loved coming to the farm store to grab a beautiful, fresh bouquet, but now that I can come weekly alongside my CSA Food Share pickup, I’m thrilled! I get to choose my own floral arrangement and pick all the colors I love. I’m so excited for this new experience—it’s going to be the highlight of my week!"

  • "My son, who uses a wheelchair, loves participating in activities all over the farm, but there’s something truly special about the flower fields. While he may not be able to clip each flower himself, with the support of his staff, he gets to make choices and decisions—and the farm staff are absolutely wonderful. I encourage all families to consider this opportunity for their child. If we can do it—and we absolutely can—so can you. Just go for it, you won’t regret it!"

  • "We are so excited to bring this incredible experience to our community here at Homesteads and beyond! Everyone loves flowers, and while we often find ourselves at stores like Wegmans debating if a bouquet is a need or a want, here at Homesteads, you’re the one harvesting it fresh. As a participant, you’ll enjoy longer-lasting blooms, a creative opportunity to design your bouquet, and the support you need every single pick! When you create an experience around a WANT, it’s a no-brainer—get out here in nature’s classroom and get involved! I’m so proud of my team for making this happen—it’s going to be a smashing success!"
    – Jenny, CEO