How Legacy Farms Grows Opportunities for Success and Community
In rural Lucketts, a remarkable program is blossoming at Temple Hall Regional Park. Legacy Farms, an independent non-profit located on the grounds of Temple Hall through a partnership with NOVA Parks, is an agricultural initiative where, in addition to flowers and plants, neurodiverse adults are growing skills, confidence, and real-world experience through farming and media apprenticeship programs.
During a recent visit, tour guides and participants in the program, Sean, a self-described speech giver, and Zayd, a self-described poet, shared their experiences with genuine enthusiasm. Diane, director of programming, Laurie, executive director, and Forrest, a media apprentice, also observed the apprentices in action, accompanied by additional program members James, a fellow writer, and Phoebe, the talented photographer documenting their journey.
Legacy Farms is dedicated to providing hands-on, real-world experience within a supportive community. As Forrest put it, “Legacy Farms gave me an offer and I am thankful because it opened opportunities.”
For neurodiverse individuals, or those with intellectual disabilities, finding meaningful employment can often be a challenge. This program bridges that gap, offering training and personal growth. Sean, a 2023 apprentice and a student at NOVA Loudoun, is focusing on his work at Legacy Farms with aspirations of a career in film production.
The program has been in this space for 15 years, growing far beyond its initial vision. They work in partnership with NOVA Parks, utilizing the grounds for their gardens. A recent grant even funded an expansion, allowing them to add new rows for plants in areas that once housed sheep.
Legacy Farms focuses on planting annuals, perennials, bulbs, and some herbs. Their tulips, for example, were sold at the Leesburg Flower and Garden Show and their bouquets are regularly sold at Roots 657, who also partners as a CSA (community supported agriculture) pick-up location. Other CSA pick-up locations include Simply Be Coffee, Weird Brothers Coffee, and Lark Brewing Co. Beyond the flowers and plants, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of farming practices. Ethan Miller, a dedicated volunteer for about five years, shared his passion for working in the garden, handling a variety of tasks from weeding and watering to field preparation. “My favorite thing is being outside, and my least favorite thing is stinging insects,” he quipped. Despite also working at Walgreens, Ethan finds a deeper connection at the farm. “It is feeding to my soul,” he shared, perhaps inheriting his love for the land from his father.
One of the most unique and impactful aspects of the Legacy Farms program is their reliance on Mindfulness. This daily practice serves as their morning start, where leaders guide the group in centering themselves. It’s a powerful professional development model that helps participants become self-aware, focusing on their internal and emotional states, preparing them to approach their work with intention. As Ethan explained, Mindfulness helps him “take a step back with a raging mind,” offering a much-needed moment of calm in our fast-paced “hustle culture.”
Legacy Farms not only teaches farming skills but also hones leadership abilities, flexibility, and the knack for creating opportunities. Participants like Sean and Zayd exemplify this growth.
The gardens themselves are fascinating. One element in particular is an arch and bench within the garden—a dedication to the visionary woman who started Legacy Farms, Martha Schonberger. Both Sean and Forrest shared that it’s a special place where they like to sit and reflect in her honor, giving thanks to a dream fulfilled that has blossomed into something truly extraordinary.
While Legacy Farms has many individuals they’d love to hire, they can’t employ everyone directly. They do, however, actively facilitate paid vocational partner placements, demonstrating their commitment to long-term success for their participants.
The program’s success is further strengthened by other partnerships including PosAbilities Academy, A Place to Be, and Fabbioli Cellars/The New Ag School, their partner on garden expansion space, expanding the network of support for its participants.
Legacy Farms shows how the power of community, meaningful work, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute, can achieve success. It’s a place where seeds of potential are carefully nurtured, leading to a harvest of confidence, skills, and a brighter future for its participants.
Loudoun County is honored to have a program that transforms lives in such a tangible way.
To learn more about Legacy Farms and its apprenticeship program, make a contribution, or sign up for their floral subscription, please visit www.legacyfarmsvirginia.org.
