Hope Springs Farm, 201 Trail Road, Hershey, had to close during the COVID-19 pandemic. The farm hosts a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are referred to as "growers." On March 17, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Office of Developmental Programs (DHS/ODP) instructed all-day programs and prevocational programs in Pennsylvania to close until further notice. The stay-at-home order was issued on March 20.
All programming for growers, including music therapy, community volunteering, crafts, and cooking, came to a halt. Volunteers and furloughed staff continued to care for the animals and plants. Volunteer staff also helped repaint and clean out buildings used for the day program activities.
Adults with disabilities may have underlying conditions that could complicate the symptoms of COVID-19. The farm offered families the opportunity to visit the farm, using social distancing precautions, for growers to see the animals they had been caring for. The farm also provided families with a list of local parks that the growers usually visit for their community outings.
DHS/ODP announced that they would receive retainer payments until the pandemic subsides. These payments meant that all staff would have their jobs back and the farm program would be available for growers when they are allowed to return. However, annual fundraisers are a large part of the farm's ability to continue its programs for growers. Fundraising events scheduled for April, May, and June were all canceled.
The farm's temporary closure left growers quarantined in their own homes. Growers and their families had to adjust to a new way of life, one without their program at the farm. Hope Springs Farm's online presence became increasingly important.
On June 1, the farm began holding Zoom farm parties on weekdays. The parties are free to growers, prospective program participants, and family members. The Zoom parties begin with an introduction from executive director Jim Gainer, who shows the growers their animals and gardens that are cared for by staff. Other activities that are included in Zoom parties are singing, crafts, cooking, yoga, and story reading.
Elizabethtown College students studying occupational therapy joined the farm parties and provide segments for growers as part of its college internship program. Staff have also created activities for growers on Zoom.
The Zoom parties provide growers with opportunities for mental and physical activity while they remain at home. The farm upgraded its internal Wi-Fi capacity in order to do the Zoom parties every day, which has increased the need for funding.
To donate, readers may visit https://farmofhope.networkforgood.com/. For more information about the farm, readers may visit http://www.hopespringsfarm.org.
Leave a Review