Individuals with Complex Needs
Care Farm
Care Farm
Program
Care Farming, or ‘Social Farming,’ is an evidence-based day activity program designed for individuals with Complex Needs, including those with FASD, Autism, or similar challenges.
Our most recent project - Coming soon
Empowering individuals with complex
needs through Skills Development in a
needs through Skills Development in a
Supportive Day Activity Program
Empowering individuals with complex needs through skill development in a supportive day activity program.
At Shining Horizons, our day program is designed to foster independence and confidence in individuals with complex needs. Through structured day activities, we focus on building essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and self-care. Our experienced team provides one-on-one support, tailoring each activity to meet the unique abilities and goals of every participant.
Nurturing
abilities...
abilities...
Build confidence, foster self-determination, and help to achieve a greater sense of purpose.
What is
Care Farming?
Care farming, or social farming, uses farming practices for therapeutic purposes. Unlike a one-time farm visit, our clients engage in regular, scheduled activities as part of a specialized program. Our approach combines nature, group work, and meaningful tasks like animal care, gardening, and crop growing. Clients become 'co-farmers,' taking on vital roles in the daily operations of the farm.
The focus of our program is not on labor but on personal growth. We aim to develop social and communication skills, encourage teamwork, improve planning and execution, and foster independence. With a maximum of 12-14 participants per day segment, clients work individually or in small groups to ensure a tailored, supportive experience.
Age:
• 15 year and older
• We also take 'mental age' in consideration
• Groups are max. 8 persons
Duration:
• Annually we will offer four -
ten week semesters
• Sessions:
9:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 4:00 pm
Staffing:
• Licensed Therapists
• Farming Experts
• Volunteers
Requirements:
• Participants with a diagnosis
(Complex Needs)
• A doctor's referral is not required
Individual
growth focussed support
With a low staff-to-participant ratio of 2:4 or 4:8 etc, participants receive personalized support from licensed therapists, farming experts, and dedicated volunteers.
We foster an environment where individual strengths are celebrated, ensuring each person has the tools and support needed to succeed and feel included.
A 'Life Skill'
School
Shining Horizons Care Farm will provide a unique, hands-on learning environment where individuals, including those with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), can develop essential life skills in a supportive, farm-based setting.
Our program focuses on building confidence, responsibility, and independence through activities like animal care, horticulture, and crop growing. Participants learn vital skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and self-care—skills that are transferable to daily life
Five streams
Participants can choose from, but are not limited to five streams:
-
Animal Care: Taking care for smaller animals, such as feeding and cleaning their habitat (goats and chickens)
-
Farming Actively participate in the process of seeding, growing, and harvesting crop
-
Maintenance and Groundskeeping Help with the maintenance and upkeep of the Fare Farm facility
-
Barn Work Help with chores and activities in the barn
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Kitchen/food preparation. (when we have a community kitchen)
