|
|
Purpose Farm offers a safe and nurturing environment for youth ages 6-18 who are facing significant life challenges, such as abuse, trauma, neglect, loss, anxiety, behavioral issues, or those living in high-risk environments. Our program provides individualized, one-on-one mentoring sessions, completely free of charge.
Our goal is to foster love, build confidence, and cultivate relationships that can make a lasting impact. Each session, which lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, is tailored to the needs of each child. Their mentor works closely with the youth to determine the most supportive and meaningful activities, ensuring a customized experience. |
Chores: At the start of each session, children complete a small chore alongside their mentor. This activity teaches responsibility and the importance of serving others, while also allowing the child to build empathy and awareness. It helps mentors gain insight into the child’s emotional state and how best to spend the rest of the session.
Working with Horses: While we are not a dedicated riding program, some children may have the opportunity to ride as they advance in their sessions. Activities with the horses may include handling, grooming, tacking, lunging, or even learning basic veterinary care. Each session is shaped around the child’s needs and the well-being of the horses on that particular day.
Working with Small Animals: Although horses often draw kids to the farm, many children end up preferring to work with our smaller animals. Feeding, holding, and caring for these animals creates a deep connection, whether it’s walking a pig to the river, holding a rabbit, or playing with goats. These moments bring joy and energy to the children, helping them feel grounded and connected.
Our unique location allows us to serve youth from Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. Through these experiences, we aim to restore hope, build confidence, and provide a sense of purpose for each child.
More than Youth Mentoring: While our primary mission is to mentor youth in crisis, the farm has become so much more. We provide a safe space where individuals with special needs, from teens to seniors, can come with mentors from outside agencies to volunteer. Many of our volunteers use their time at the farm as a way to relieve stress and heal from their own past traumas.
People from the local community, as well as visitors from other states, come to Purpose Farm to interact with the animals. School and community groups tour the farm to learn about animal care and how they can support youth in their communities. Scouts and other youth groups often complete projects at the farm to earn badges or give back to the community. Even our mail carriers and delivery drivers leave the farm with a smile!
Everything we offer at the farm is free of charge, and the farm is 100% volunteer-run, with no paid staff. Through this, we continue to make a lasting impact on everyone who comes in contact with Purpose Farm.
Working with Horses: While we are not a dedicated riding program, some children may have the opportunity to ride as they advance in their sessions. Activities with the horses may include handling, grooming, tacking, lunging, or even learning basic veterinary care. Each session is shaped around the child’s needs and the well-being of the horses on that particular day.
Working with Small Animals: Although horses often draw kids to the farm, many children end up preferring to work with our smaller animals. Feeding, holding, and caring for these animals creates a deep connection, whether it’s walking a pig to the river, holding a rabbit, or playing with goats. These moments bring joy and energy to the children, helping them feel grounded and connected.
Our unique location allows us to serve youth from Onondaga, Oswego, and Cayuga counties. Through these experiences, we aim to restore hope, build confidence, and provide a sense of purpose for each child.
More than Youth Mentoring: While our primary mission is to mentor youth in crisis, the farm has become so much more. We provide a safe space where individuals with special needs, from teens to seniors, can come with mentors from outside agencies to volunteer. Many of our volunteers use their time at the farm as a way to relieve stress and heal from their own past traumas.
People from the local community, as well as visitors from other states, come to Purpose Farm to interact with the animals. School and community groups tour the farm to learn about animal care and how they can support youth in their communities. Scouts and other youth groups often complete projects at the farm to earn badges or give back to the community. Even our mail carriers and delivery drivers leave the farm with a smile!
Everything we offer at the farm is free of charge, and the farm is 100% volunteer-run, with no paid staff. Through this, we continue to make a lasting impact on everyone who comes in contact with Purpose Farm.
