By Kimberly Pinsonneault, Hildene Farm Agriculture Manager & Educator

At Hildene Farm, we believe the farm can be a place where learning unfolds through care, routine, and connection to animals, the land, and one another. Building on our long-standing partnership with the Northshire Delegation of Vermont Special Olympics and BBA’s Unified Sports program, we are grateful to extend these hands-on opportunities to additional community groups working with neurodivergent students. Each collaboration reflects Hildene’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and real-world learning that meets people where they are.

Chickens for Change (C4C)
Chickens for Change empowers Bennington youth to build life, social, and entrepreneurial skills through raising and caring for chickens. Through their partnership with Hildene Farm, participants engage directly with animals and daily farm routines, developing confidence, responsibility, and a meaningful connection to nature in a supportive setting.

One-on-One Farm Learning Experiences
Hildene Farm also provides individualized learning time for local elementary, middle, and high school students, supported by a physical therapist. These carefully paced farm activities allow the students to engage with animals and hands-on tasks in ways that support mobility, communication, and personal growth.

A Place of Inclusion
A Place of Inclusion is a welcoming community group that meets regularly at the Manchester Community Library to foster connection and understanding around disabilities. We’ve loved having them help with chores, touring them around on a wagon ride last fall, and hosting their holiday gathering in Hildene’s greenhouse where participants learned how to felt soap — all while providing a festive, inclusive community surrounded by warmth, greenery, and the shared joy of being together.

As we continue to deepen this work, we are filled with gratitude for the community partners who trust Hildene Farm as a place for meaningful learning, and for the donors whose generosity makes these experiences possible. Thank you for allowing Hildene to play a role in this important work. Together, we are cultivating more than food and fiber. We are nurturing connection, confidence, and belonging across our community.