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Our Story

Plant

Farming with Friends started with two parents' dream for their daughter.

 

On December 19, 2019, Scout Griffin was diagnosed with Smith Magenis Syndrome.

 

“This was a challenging time for Melanie and I. For your entire life, you look at the world one way, and then all the sudden, you’re forced to look at it another way, from another perspective. You’re forced to answer questions that you never had to answer before. You’re forced to integrate disability into your view of life. Don’t get me wrong, this is a tremendous gift, but at first, it’s challenging to digest.” – Tristan Griffin

 

The Griffins turned the corner into 2020 with determination and a commitment to love and serve Scout and people like her to the best of their ability, but they didn’t know exactly what that would look like. 

 

“Over time, we knew in our heart of hearts that our new calling was to serve people with disabilities. In addition, we wanted to provide other typically-abled people with opportunities to get to know people with disabilities on a deeper level. We wanted to help tear down any barriers between typically-abled and disabled peoples. We wanted both sides to have an opportunity to see the tremendous blessing that each can bring to one another.”

 

After launching a sports camp for people with disabilities in the summer of 2021 that was wildly successful, the Griffins turned their sights toward farming. 

 

“When Scout was 2 or 3, I started to notice that she loved working with me in the garden. She loved getting her hands dirty and shoveling dirt. Something about gardening seemed to provide her with peace and a greater sense of belonging and purpose. This is when the initial idea for a farm that employs people with disabilities popped into my head.”

 

Throughout the next couple of years, the seed that was planted on that day began to grow, and during the winter of 2022-23, an opportunity presented itself to launch Farming with Friends during the late summer of 2023.

 

“We took a leap of faith, and everything fell into place nicely. Within our first year, we hired 6 staff. We sold nearly 10,000 eggs. We kept 150 laying hens and 9 sheep alive! ;) We processed 39 meat chickens (which means we didn’t keep them alive…sorry :( ). We grew all sorts of different produce. We hosted approximately 100 volunteers representing 8 different organizations. We maintained an average of between 3 and 5 farm tours per week. We hosted our first event on the farm that saw between 500 and 600 people in attendance. And we raised nearly $1 million for this mission.”

 

Faithfulness has produced fruit, and in pursuit of The Griffins' dream for their daughter and people like her, Farming with Friends is continuing to grow and flourish.

 

“I truly have trouble explaining all that Farming with Friends is. Our 3 main focuses are regenerative farming, employment of people with disabilities, and community engagement, but Farming with Friends is so much more than all of this. It’s a blessing to me. It’s a blessing to my family. It’s a blessing to all the families we serve. I suppose if you want to know what it’s about, you’d just have to join in with us and be a part of it.” 

 

We hope to see you on the farm soon, friend.  

Chicken

About the Farm

VISION: To create a transformative place of love and belonging where everyone is inspired and valued.
 
MISSION: To restore land through regenerative farming, to empower individuals with disabilities through meaningful employment, and to create friendships by inviting our community to join us on the farm.
 
VALUES: 
Home - You’re welcome here!
Dignity - You are valuable!
Together - Let’s do this together!
Play - Let’s have some fun!

Apples

Contact Information

The Office (for Donations)

3320 Woodling Way

Medina, Ohio 44256

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The Farm

1438 Center Rd. 

Hinckley, Ohio 44233

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817.944.0499

tristan@farmingwithfriends.org

Gifting

Click Here to Make a Donation

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Farming with Friends is an IRS certified 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.

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