Our Story
Where One Family's
Hope
Became a Community.
The story behind the farm, the people who built it, and why it matters.Founded 2023
One family’s hope, growing into a community mission
Farming with Friends was founded in 2023 by Tristan and Melanie Griffin in honor of their daughter, Scout. Her love of the garden helped inspire a vision where people of all abilities could work, grow, and thrive together.That early vision grew into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in meaningful work, friendship, and dignity.
“What began with one family’s hope has grown into a community where people are seen, valued, and given room to thrive.”
— Ginnette Simko, Executive Director
Today, with support from the board, Executive Director Ginnette Simko carries that founding vision forward at Old Trail School, where participants, volunteers, families, and community partners come together to grow food, friendships, confidence, and belonging.
Our Mission
Empowering all abilities to grow together.
Farming with Friends provides accessible, community-centered vocational, volunteer, and social experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.
Through hands-on work, shared learning, and meaningful relationships, we create a place where people of all abilities can contribute, connect, and grow with dignity.
Meaningful Work
hands-on farm experienceReal Connection
friendship and belongingShared Growth
confidence, purpose, and communityEmpowering all abilities to grow together.
1 in 4 Adults Lives with a Disability
Most face isolation — not by choice,
but by lack of opportunity.
For young people who age out of school-based supports, the next chapter is often a quiet one — fewer friends, fewer reasons to leave the house, fewer chances to do work that feels real. The gap is structural, not personal. And it's wide.Care farming closes part of that gap. Real work, in nature, alongside people who chose to be there — it builds skills, yes, but more than that, it builds a place to belong. That's what we've built. That's what we keep building.
Meet the Team
The people behind the farm
Ginnette Simko
Executive Director
Ginnette brings nonprofit, higher education, and sustainable agriculture experience to Farming with Friends. As a mother of an adult child with disabilities, she is passionate about growing purpose, connection, and community.
Tim Harris
Farm Hand
Garrett Securro
Farm Hand
Garrett first fell in love with gardening at age 12 with a tomato garden his dad built. He enjoys history, Civil War reenactments, whittling, hiking, helping with projects, and is excited to work at Farming with Friends.
Steve Conroy
Farm Hand
Steve brings industrial experience and a strong work ethic to Farming with Friends. He enjoys nature, movies, time in the community, and is excited to be a helpful part of the team.
Alex Claus
Team Lead
Alex brings business education and experience in management, marketing, and accounting to Farming with Friends. He enjoys travel, global foods, pottery, painting, and working with the team.
Sam Brady
Team Lead
Sam studied Animal Care at the Medina County Career Center and enjoys gardening, chickens, pets, and learning new things. They especially enjoy packing eggs and working with the farm team.
Dennis Somogyi
Farm Assistant
Dennis brings experience with farming, construction, animals, and hands-on projects to Farming with Friends. He enjoys learning, building, mechanics, games, and helping the farm grow.
Scott Freeman
Board President
Scott is a web developer and board president who cares deeply about community, accessibility, and inclusion. He brings creativity, advocacy, and a love of thoughtful systems to Farming with Friends.
Tiffany O’Neill
Board Treasurer
Tiffany is the founder of Bainbridge Blooms and brings experience in regenerative farming, creativity, and plant-based wellness. She is passionate about inclusion, accessibility, and community.
Krista Yoho
Board Secretary
Krista is a parent, RN-BSN, gardener, and longtime farm volunteer who loves the Farming with Friends mission. She hopes to help grow awareness and involvement with Old Trail families.
Lori Mayer
Board Member
Lori brings experience in healthcare, caregiving, volunteering, gardening, and community service. She is grateful for the farm’s role in creating purpose, connection, and belonging.
Tracy Radabaugh
Board Member
Tracy is an Intervention Specialist and transition educator who helps students with disabilities prepare for employment and adulthood. She is excited to support the farm’s mission and partnerships.
2025 Impact Report
A year of growing together
our Fall Festival
Unduplicated Participants
Partners & Funders
We don't do this alone
Every chamber, every grant, every neighbor who shows up — they all help grow what's possible here.
Community Memberships
Funders We're Grateful For
2024 Grant Recipient
Catholic Campaign for Human Development
CCHD's grant supported our growing capacity through their Community & Economic Development Program — a critical investment in our infrastructure and reach,
Sustaining Support
Individual Donors
Monthly supporters and major donors who make participant programming possible week after week. Detailed recognition lives on our supporters page.
