Workforce Development
Real Work. Real Skills.
Real Pride.
Farm-based vocational training and workforce development for people of all abilities.Status: In Progress
Pursuing Ohio DODD Provider Certification
Ohio's Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) certifies organizations that provide vocational habilitation — supported, structured work experiences that help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, earn dignity, and step toward independence.Certification means we can formally bill for those services. For families, that's the difference between "a great place to volunteer" and a stable, fundable program your loved one can rely on, season after season.
Get Notified When We're Certified
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What it is
DODD vocational habilitation gives people with IDD real, paid, supported work — with mentorship and adapted tasks built in.
DODD vocational habilitation gives people with IDD real, paid, supported work — with mentorship and adapted tasks built in.
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Why it matters
Without it, families piece together day programs and self-pay options. With it, the cost of meaningful work is funded — not a burden.
Without it, families piece together day programs and self-pay options. With it, the cost of meaningful work is funded — not a burden.
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What we're doing
We're working through certification now. Once approved, we'll open enrollment and grow capacity steadily so every participant gets real attention.
We're working through certification now. Once approved, we'll open enrollment and grow capacity steadily so every participant gets real attention.
The Program
Three ways to grow. One community farm.
Our programs are built around real farm work, meaningful relationships, and hands-on learning. Participants engage in seasonal pathways based on interest, ability, support needs, and the rhythm of the farm.
Crop Production
Planting, cultivating, harvesting, and preparing produce and flowers through adapted tools, supportive instruction, and hands-on farm experience.
Animal & Farm Experiences
Through community partnerships, participants may have opportunities to connect with animals, explore farm environments, and build confidence through guided, hands-on experiences.
Team Leadership
Participants who are ready for more responsibility can build communication, mentoring, and teamwork skills while helping support the farm community.Skills Developed
Skills that grow beyond the farm
The skills our participants develop on the farm don't stay on the farm. They show up in interviews, in friendships, in the way someone walks into a room with their head a little higher.Agricultural skills
Fine motor coordination
Problem-solving & flexibility
Communication & social confidence
Workplace stamina & responsibility
Peer leadership & teamwork
Physical activity & coordination
Confidence & wellbeing
Who We Serve
It takes all of us to grow something real.
Participants with IDD
High school youth and post-graduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are seeking meaningful, hands-on farm experiences with real responsibility, real support, and real growth.Volunteers & Community Partners
People who want authentic, cross-ability relationships — not as helpers looking in, but as teammates working alongside participants, learning together, and helping build a more connected community.Health & Community
What grows beyond the harvest
Vocational training gives the work structure. But ask our families what they notice at home, and you’ll hear about something bigger: more movement, better routines, new friendships, and a stronger reason to get up and engage with the day.Across our 2025 cohort, participants built skills, strengthened peer connections, and grew more than 2,500 pounds of food together.
Physical movement
Movement, fresh air, hands-on work
Confidence & wellbeing
Purpose, routine, calm
Purpose, routine, calm
Social connection
Real friendships, not just programs
Real friendships, not just programs
Community food access
Fresh food grown and shared locally
Fresh food grown and shared locally
What it looks like at home
Since working with Farming with Friends, there have been so many positive changes with Joe. He has made friends there and will actually text them himself. His self-esteem has improved. It has just been overall a very positive impact on him.
Working at Farming with Friends has allowed Alex to grow, practice flexibility, and gain so many new skills. Incredible friendships have been developed. The opportunity has been life changing for Alex.
Interested in working at the farm?
We occasionally hire farm hands, team leads, and program staff. If you'd like to be considered when positions open, check our current openings.