HARVEST, Ala. (WHNT) — Next Step Farm is teaching life skills through farming.
Jack is working on the farm with Robin. He’s learning to look after the goats and to tend to the chicken coop.
“He prefers to work alone but we’re pushing him to be more incorporated with others,” said Robin Kramer, the owner of Next Step Farm.
At 24, Jack is one of several clients who have a cognitive disability, who come to the farm to learn about the work environment through farming. It’s an adult special needs day program where they are all understood, where every client has value, and everyone has ability.
“How to live independently as possible using a small family farm as a theme; meal planning, meal prepping, waste management, gardening, orchard care and animal care,” Kramer explained.
Kramer spent 25 years in the Madison County school system teaching special education.
She realized that something needed to be done for her students who age out of the education system.
Kramer noticed when her students became adults, there was a struggle to find meaningful work or further their education which she says left them and their families feeling lost.
“If you learn something, you feel valued,” said Kramer. “When you feel valued you have a purpose. Here at Next Step Farm, we’re going to give them opportunities to excel, give them opportunities to be as independent as they possibly can be.”
Helping those in need to take the next step.
Next Step Farm is funded through grants and relies on donations. You can donate on their website.
