Skip to content

The Gathering Place – Adult Day Program - VT

3-26 flex farm a (1)

Industry

Adult Day Service

Goal

The Gathering Place seeks innovative ways to engage older adults and individuals with disabilities in meaningful activities that promote independence, confidence, and community involvement.

Results

Since integrating Flex Farms, participants have actively engaged in the growing process, developed new skills, and experienced a sense of pride and accomplishment. The initiative has not only produced fresh food but also cultivated greater community enthusiasm and involvement.

Fork Farms Product

Flex Farm

gatheringplacevt.org/

"The Gathering Place's mission places emphasis on the independence of the older adults and people with disabilities that we serve. In conjunction with this, the at-will responsibilities presented by the Flex Farm's curriculum have helped provide yet another option for self-empowerment in the everyday lives of our horticulturally inclined participants."

Phoebe Baade

Office Assistant at The Gathering Place

About The Gathering Place

"The Gathering Place provides adult day services to promote empowerment, independence and quality of life for elders, adults with disabilities and their caregivers. We are dedicated to fostering collaborative community partnerships." - The Gathering Place's Mission

The Challenge

The Gathering Place faced the challenge of finding creative and meaningful ways to engage older adults and individuals with disabilities. They needed an innovative solution that would not only keep participants active and involved but would also promote independence, confidence, and a sense of community.

The Solution

Discovering the Flex Farm by Fork Farms, The Gathering Place saw an opportunity to integrate hydroponic growing into their programming. This decision was driven by the potential to teach participants practical horticultural skills while cultivating a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Their dedication was proudly showcased in early April 2025 at an open-house art show and wine tasting event, where they presented their growing greens to family and friends.

The Results

The integration of Flex Farms at The Gathering Place has yielded great results. Within 12 weeks, participants nurtured their plants from seedlings to a thriving first harvest of fresh lettuce. The project has also facilitated the development of new skills among participants, enhancing their independence and confidence.

Ready to get started?

Learn More About Fork Farms