April 5th 2023 Meeting - Horizon West Rotary - Special Hearts Farm

HAPPY DOLLARS
Happy dollars always kick us off on a positive note as members and guests share something they are currently happy about! Today $112 was collected to go towards the Special Hearts Farm.

MARCH 8TH GUEST SPEAKER - EMILY DAVIS WITH SPECIAL HEARTS FARM

Special Animals for Special Hearts

Emily Davis joined us today to share all about Special Hearts Farm.

Their mission is to provide safe, meaningful and beneficial farming and gardening experiences for individuals with disabilities and unique abilities who have been denied opportunities for college and supported employment.

The farm, currently located in the city of Winter Garden, has about 60 animals to care for, gardens to tend, products to be produced for the retail store such as woodworking items and goat soap. OCPS teachers teach clients between the ages of 18-22 and they learn many facets of what it really is like to work on a farm.

Their program is at the point where they are ready to move their facilities,improve their spaces as well as increase the number of clients they can provide education to. Fifteen acres have been purchased in Mount Dora and they have just received a $5.3 million Florida State Appropriation to be used specifically for construction. With this growth and move from Winter Garden to Mount Dora, Special Hearts Farm will triple capacity for client in-take to 150 at a time. Weddings and corporate event space to generate additional revenue to support the new farm and provide additional skill training to their future clients. Phase 2 will include housing for 50 clients to create an even more immersive experience for those that will utilize the housing.

Volunteer opportunities are available every day of the week and especially needed on the weekends. And donations are greatly appreciated to

Connect with them online on Facebook and their website.

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/thespecialheartsfarm

WEBSITE
https://www.SpecialHeartsFarm.com

MAXEY ELEMENTARY STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED

Please contact Francisco to get signed up to be a mentor to one our our Maxey Elementary children that are in need of an adult mentor. Half hour a week is all it takes to make a huge difference in the children's lives and our members that have been doing this for several years share over and over how much it actually has enriched their life as well.

Definitely time worth committing to.

francisco@rentcare.net

REMINDER OF THE ONGOING CHALLENGE TO OUR CURRENT MEMBERS

Our District Governor Andres Goyanes' challenged us to the 4 Way Challenge so we are ramping up our efforts to invite others to come check out our club:

1) a Family Member

2) a Friend

3) a Co-worker

4) a Customer 

And if you can't find one of them to come, ask a Veteran or a First Responder.