THE "WHY" BEHIND OUR WORK
Our Mission in Action
At Farm in the Dell, we strive to provide meaningful job opportunities where employees are given fair wages and a steady paycheck – helping to give them confidence and fulfillment.
Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities are often overlooked and marginalized by our current society – especially in the workforce. At Farm in the Dell, we offer a non-competitive setting where our Garden Engineers are not valued on their efficiency or productivity – but instead are reminded of their true dignity and identity as beloved children of God.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 66% of individuals with “independent living
disabilities” between the ages of 18 and 64 living in Minnesota are unemployed.
Employers can apply for a certification allowing them to pay individuals with disabilities far less than the federal minimum wage.
Farm in the Dell exists to change that, ensuring that our employees are paid at minimum wage or above, providing them with value and confidence.
In addition to fair wages, our Garden Engineers also receive other benefits that help them succeed in life – like skill development, peer bonding, and a supportive community.
Why Gardening?
It's no secret that gardening is a great way to get in touch with nature - and the benefits of staying active and getting out in the fresh air and sunshine are well-documented. But for individuals with developmental disabilities, these benefits are even more important.
Gardening helps increase motor skills, coordination, emotional regulation, physical activity, mental health, social connections and more - all areas that individuals with developmental disabilities may struggle with. Additionally, gardening is an inclusive activity: all individuals, regardless of their ability, are able to participate and enjoy its many benefits.
Learn more about each of these benefits below!
motor skills + coordination
Gardening requires many types of movements – including grasping, pulling, and pushing – leading to improved fine motor skills, increased dexterity, and greater hand-eye coordination.
In addition, gardening improves gross motor skills with activities such as pushing a wheelbarrow, or using a rake to spread compost around the garden.
emotional regulation
Gardening is a great way to learn emotion regulation! Being outside boosts your mood, provides an outlet for negative emotions, and releases endorphins.
Additionally, the ever-changing nature of gardening helps increase resiliency and boost "discomfort tolerance," two skills that are key to emotional regulation.
physical activity
Gardening gives you a chance to get outside and engage in some good old-fashioned exercise: bending, walking, digging, weeding, and sweating.
It gets the blood pumping and increases muscle tone and mobility - especially for individuals who have physical limitations that don't allow them to perform other forms of exercise.
mental health + purpose
Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine boosts mental health, self-esteem, and positive emotions - and studies show that gardening can reduce symptoms of mental illness, like anxiety and depression.
Growing fresh veggies for the community also gives our Garden Engineers a sense of responsibility, purpose, and accomplishment.
community + belonging
One of the most rewarding things about our work is watching friendships grow - right alongside the rows of carrots and kale.
At Farm in the Dell, we provide a place where each individual is celebrated, people with and without disabilities find belonging together, and everyone is invited to enjoy God’s creation.
and more!
Gardening is for everyone! No matter your age, level of ability, or previous experience, everyone is welcome at the farm.
We choose to define our community by their abilities rather than their limitations, to treat them with dignity as God's children, to celebrate their uniqueness, and to show them the love, respect, and kindness they deserve.