Neighbor News
Walk, Run or Golf for Michigan's Most Unique Farm
Special Dreams Farm is filling a void in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities in Southeast Michigan and the Thumb area.
NEW BALTIMORE/ST. CLAIR, MICH -- One program is making a unique and needed difference in the lives of Special Needs adults with developmental disabilities in Southeast Michigan, and the community is embracing it.
Special Dreams Farm, an organization providing meaningful work on an actual farm for adults with developmental disabilities, announce its foundation grants and events for the first half of 2016.
President and Founding Member Larry Collette said "We are grateful for the community's support that has helped to grow our program to better serve the many adults who may otherwise live in isolation with little to do. Whether you have a disability or not, nothing diminishes a person's quality of life like feeling unproductive. "
Find out what's happening in New Baltimore-Chesterfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Collette announced the following grants have been received in recent weeks.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan provided $39,550 to expand programming; The Community Foundation of St. Clair County provided $10,000 to support administration; ITC Holding Corp. provided $10,000 to support programming; an anonymous donor provided $3,000 and The Gannett Foundation provided $1,500. "No matter the size of the donation, know that you are helping the adult with disabilities who is our farmer, his or her family and caregiver," said Collette. "These grants will help us to double our occupancy in the woodshop, expand training and skill building and add a therapeutic horseback riding program," he said.
Find out what's happening in New Baltimore-Chesterfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There are myriad ways to support Special Dreams Farm, one of the few programs for Special Needs Adults in Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer, Sanilac, Wayne and Oakland counties. Walkers, runners and golf enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in upcoming events referenced below. Volunteers are always welcome.
In addition to SDF's signature events listed below, the farm is a new addition to the 2016 Mental Health and Wellness Fair, presented by Beaumont Health, Easter Seals Michigan and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on Wednesday, May 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak in the South Tower Lobby, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073. Admission and Parking are free. Autism and Special Needs Adults will be highlighted.
8th ANNUAL SPECIAL DREAMS FARM 5K WALK/RUN PRESENTED BY HUMANA
Join hundreds of walkers and runners of all fitness levels for the 5K Walk/Run at Stony Creek Metro Park - EastwoodBeach Area.
When: Sunday, May 1, 2016 | 7:30 a.m. Registration | 9:00 a.m. Run / Walk begins immediately after Run.
How: Register online for $30.00 at www.runsignup.com
and enter "Special Dreams Farm." Participants may also register the day of at Stony Creek Metro Park for $35.00. Please note there is a $10.00 fee to enter the park.
Where: Stony Creek Metro Park - Meet at Eastwood Beach: 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Charter Township, MI 48316
Why: There are more than 360,000 adults living with disabilities in the Special Dreams Farm service area and many live with developmental disabilities in isolation. "We believe in the mission of Special Dreams Farm and know the organization is improving the lives of its farmers, who are adults with developmental disabilities," said Todd Miller of Humana. "It has been our privilege to support such a giving organization."
For Golfing enthusiasts:
8th ANNUAL DREAM MAKER GOLF OUTING AT ST. CLAIR GOLF CLUB
When: Saturday, June 4, 2016
Where: St. Clair Golf Club | 1714 North River Road | St. Clair, MI 48079
How: There are openings for 36 four person teams. Individuals and groups may register and will be placed on a team. Visit www.specialdreamsfarm.org for more information or call 586.615.3518 to register.
Cost is $125.00 per golfer and includes green fees, carts, driving range, practice, lunch and dinner!
Sponsorship Programs are also available.
For more information on Special Dreams Farm and its events please visit: www.specialdreamsfarm.org
5K Walk/Run at Stony Creek
Aerial View of Special Dreams Farm Activity
About Special Dreams Farm
Special Dreams Farm (SDF), is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization founded in 2004 in honor of Larry and Mary Collette's son, Greg, who is on the autism spectrum. Graduating from the public school system at age 26, both Larry and Mary found first-hand how few programs existed for developmentally disabled adults. The beautiful 31-acre farm provides day programs where farmers learn independent living skills, agriculture, animal care and social and recreational interaction in a safe, non-competitive setting. SDF is completely dependent upon volunteers and the support of private foundations, sponsors and individual donations to carry out its mission of providing quality programs and services in a unique, natural environment for developmentally disabled adults.
Special Dreams Farm is located at 6524 Fred W. Moore Highway, St. Clair, MI 48079. Tours can be arranged in advance by calling 248.268.4146 or emailing peggygoodwin@goodwinconsulting.us.
