18 minute read
Meet two indivduals who are helping the environment and people with special needs.
For People & Planet
Meet two inspiring individuals enriching the lives of those with special needs. From the ground up, they have built organizations that prioritize healthy communities and environmental stewardship. Through hands-on therapy and work activities, they support personal and professional development while spreading joy to families across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
By Lindsey Geiss
Fostering Compassion and Connections on the Farm
Shawna Hodges is passionate about rescuing animals while enriching the lives of those with special needs. She is the director and founder of Downs on the Farm, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit agritourism farm experience that provides animal assisted activities and naturebased programming for children and adults with special needs. The organization makes homes for neglected animals and educates others on the importance of responsible agriculture and natural growing techniques for self-sustainability.
A mother of two sons, Mitchell, 19, and Grady, 14, Hodges was inspired to start the nonprofit organization after Grady came into the world with Down syndrome.
Previously located in Oberlin then Amherst, Downs on the Farm now operates from Castalia Farms, a renowned former corporate retreat center located in Castalia, just south of Sandusky. As a realtor, Hodges has an eye for locations, and her vision for expanding the farm and its reach became reality when she purchased the property. The farm has become a sanctuary for animals and people alike. More than 50 rescue animals include goats, alpacas, cows, pigs, deer, bunnies, tortoises, chickens and horses. Families, camps and school field trips are welcome to visit and tour, interact with the animals, and water and harvest produce.
Hodges says there are therapeutic benefits of the farm activities, from strengthening muscles and motor skills to joint attention, language and following directions — all while building confidence. She shares a couple examples: A child with limited arm strength and mobility may find combing the hair of a bunny on his or her lap more enjoyable than traditional exercises. Other children can use saddle equipment to practice following stepby-step instructions and build memory, or walk
Shawna and Grady Hodges.
the ponies through the obstacle course. Children also have fun spraying the alpacas with water from the hose to cool them off on hot days. Additional social skill-building activities on the farm include scavenger hunts centered around trails and the lake.
“I think all kids that come to the farm leave with more compassion for others,” Hodges observes. “They see rescue animals without all their limbs or that don’t see well and they start to understand differences. The animals need care and feeding,
brushing and exercise, so they start appreciating responsibility.”
Hodges oversees the entire operation of Downs on the Farm with one person on staff, and they rely heavily on volunteers and donations. Her sons also are extremely involved, with Mitchell’s latest project being fencing. In addition, events like family barnyard yoga are offered to support the nonprofit.
“I’ve taken an enormous leap of faith in purchasing this new property and hope we get the support needed to maintain it and continue to do good around us,” Hodges says. “Handicap accessible pads lead around to the buildings, and we are working to create a fundraiser to install an accessible restroom.” She also hopes to fulfill the need to expand animal housing and fencing, as well as add a second septic system.
Children learn about nature and animals while enjoying the connections made with animals, adults and their peers on the farm. Animal assisted activities range from playing with and petting animals to grooming and feeding them.
“Spending time with the animals is a great way to learn compassion and feel unconditional love from a furry friend,” Hodges emphasizes. “It is a special kind of connection that transcends any communication barriers.”
Downs on the Farm is located at 7101 Heywood Road in Castalia, Ohio. Volunteer opportunities exist to care for animals, staff events, serve on the board and more. To schedule a visit or event, sponsor an animal, donate or volunteer, email downsonthefarmohio@ gmail.com, or text or call Shawna Hodges at 970-397-2010. isit downsonthefarm.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram @ downsonthefarmohio and @castaliafarms.
Peaceful Fruits Founder and CEO (right) Evan Delahanty with first and long-standing production line employee A.J.(left).
Making Better Candy and Work Opportunities
Peaceful Fruits Founder and CEO Evan Delahanty turns superfood into social good. From the Amazon Rainforest to a farmer’s market in Peninsula, and now Barberton, he has built the snack company on Peace Corps principles, community connections and purposeful employment of people with developmental and emotional differences.
“When I met A.J., working with the special needs community became part of our mission,” Delahanty says. A.J., who has Down Syndrome, began applying sticker labels to fulfill initial orders. What started as a family affair working around the dining table once a week became an ongoing partnership with The Blick Center where A.J. has long been receiving services.
Product offerings are also expanding, and now range from the original fruit strips to re-imagined candy classics and fun new creations, including peel-n-eat stickers shaped like unicorns and dogs as well as fruit tapes, dots, dips, laces, stacks, apple spirals and more, all made with 100% real fruit and no added sugars, non-nutritive sweeteners, additives or color dyes. All products are organic, non-GMO, vegan and gluten free. The snacks are made in allergy-friendly facilities that prevent cross contamination. (Those with nut allergies should, however, avoid snacks that are packaged with their selfcontained peanut butter dip.)
“Meaningful employment is a fundamental part of adulthood for people with and without disabilities,” says Eileen Love, occupational therapist (COTA) employed by The Blick Center, which provides comprehensive services to people with developmental disabilities. “It provides a sense of purpose, shaping who we are and how we fit into our community. It’s a part of building a healthy lifestyle as a contributing member of society. People with disabilities who want to work should be provided the opportunity and support to work competitively within the general workforce in their pursuit of happiness. Many of our clients have never been successful at a paid community job – either never had the support to work competitively or have failed on multiple occasions when given the opportunity to work in the community.”
Love has been working with Peaceful Fruits via The Blick Center since February 2018 when the company moved to Barberton from Hattie Larlham’s (now closed) shared commercial kitchen space in Akron. However, the center has been involved with Peaceful Fruits since the very beginning.
Peaceful Fruits’ partnership with The Blick Center sets individuals up for success through a collaborative approach and onsite occupational therapy support. Love explains, “My job is to evaluate the work environment, the job tasks, and the client’s skills to identify the potential barriers and supports needed to succeed. I have been able to modify job tasks and match the right clients with the right tasks so that they can all be successful. With the constant flow of teachable moments, our clients have learned new skills and found strengths and talents that they weren’t aware of previously. You can tell by their smiles, they feel a real sense of accomplishment. Knowing that they’re making a difference, helping others and completing a full day’s work in an inclusive workplace has built up their confidence and sense of self-worth. Their faces light up instantly, it’s undeniable.”
The company has employed dozens of individuals over the years. While the number fluctuated during COVID
The Peaceful Fruits employees, which the organization provides an opportunity for all abilities to work.
and the move to Barberton, five are currently on the schedule working 9 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. daily.
“The Blick Center has been happy to support Peaceful Fruits in their growth because of the positive impact they have on our [Blick] clients, who have pride in earning a full-wage paycheck,” Love says. “However, I think, for a lot of our clients, it’s more about the therapeutic benefits of being on a team, being part of the ‘Peaceful Fruits’ family, than getting a paycheck. Our clients work really hard and will do anything to help Evan. He’s like their hero.”
Production line employee Kim Smith shared her experience in a video when Peaceful Fruits was named an eBay Everyday Hero in 2018. “When I walk in the door here it gives me a sense of pride and happiness…” she says. “[Evan] understands what it’s like working with people with disabilities. He’s accommodating. He’s flexible. This job at Peaceful Fruits has helped me learn that I am capable of anything.”
To A.J., Evan is also a friend who went with him to see Star Wars in the theater.
Evan says working with A.J., Kim and the whole team is “such an opportunity. They are so motivated and add real value. They are there 100 percent, and it keeps me going 110 percent every day.”
Love adds, “To our [Blick] clients, Peaceful Fruits is more than a job, it’s a purpose – empowering them to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. They have all come so far, I’m extremely proud of them!”
To help make more peaceful lives and a more peaceful world, Delahanty is launching a foundation focused on mental health. “The Peaceful Fruits Foundation will work to address the soaring rate of stress, anxiety and depression,” he explains. “We’re creating education tools and programs to help even the youngest kids learn lifelong mental health skills. We pick up insights from scientists and psychologists and pass them along in fun and memorable ways, including product packaging, social media, and age- and situation-appropriate mindful emails for students pre-k to college, parents, educators and health professionals.”
Delahanty believes in “meeting people where they are, and making it easier to do the right thing and improve lives.” He says, “we’re not trying to replace candy but move it a generation forward. It’s more than just ingredients – it’s the whole package, the values, starting and changing conversations.”
Peaceful Fruits is a Certified B Corporation held to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. The organic, free-trade snacks are made with vigorous regard for ethical sourcing, sustainability, employee welfare and community impact. Products are available for purchase at a growing number of regional and national retailers,
For more information on the Peaceful Fruits Foundation, visit .peacefulfruitsfoundation.org.
The Blick Center serves early childhood, school age and adult individuals with developmental, behavioral, physical and mental health conditions from locations in Akron, Fairlawn and North Canton. The nonprofit (formerly named Blick Clinic) has been helping individuals for over 50 years. For more information, visit blickcenter.org.
Beck Center for the Arts Each participant in Beck Center’s Creative Arts Therapies program receives attention that is individualized, with personallydesigned goals tailored to meet their needs. Staffed by board certified arts therapists and professional adapted instructors, Beck Center’s program is the first of its kind in the state of Ohio. 216-424-7634, beckcenter.org/education/creativearts-therapies
Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center For 100 years, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center has been the premier provider of programs and services to those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have difficulty speaking, or have other language or literacy delays and disorders. Its vision is a community where every individual communicates effectively. www.chsc.org
Cleveland Metroparks It’s time to explore Cleveland Metroparks. Discover trails to hike, bike, or run. Experience the wonder of the animal kingdom at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Play any of 8 scenic golf courses throughout greater Cleveland. Dine on the river at Merwin’s Wharf. See the city like never before from the shores of Lake Erie. Take time to explore clevelandmetroparks.com.
Connecting for Kids It provides education and support to families in Cuyahoga, Lorain and surrounding counties who have concerns about their child. It serves all families, including children ages 12 and younger with and without formal diagnoses. CFK offers presentations by professionals and support groups. Its staff works one-on-one as part of the “Ask Us” program to provide local resources and connections to other families. Resources also are available on its website, its online service provider directory and at fairs. 440-570-5908, connectingforkids.org
It proudly supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities of all ages to live, learn, work and play in the community. For more information on services and resources, call 216241-8230 or visit cuyahogabdd.org. The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
It provides support, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities. DSANEO is the primary resource for families and communities regarding Down syndrome, where all people with Down syndrome are accepted, included and empowered. DSANEO supports individuals with Down syndrome through their lifetime with family support programs, education enrichment for toddlers to teens, life skills classes, social programs, medical outreach and advocacy. DSANEO supports more than 1,000 individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout 16 Northeast Ohio counties. 216-447-8763, dsaneo.org
Education Alternatives
It provides special education services to hundreds of K-12 children in eight sites throughout Northeast Ohio. EA uses a trauma-informed approach to treat intensive behavioral challenges and incorporates the ACE scores of each child into their individualized plan. Children receive both group therapy and academics, and may also access individual counseling, behavior supports and psychiatry. REACH Behavioral Health provides the therapeutic services in each Education Alternatives. easchools.org
Eisner Gohn Group
A leading resource for life insurance, long term care insurance and long term disability insurance. Its team has subject matter experts in each of these disciplines so it can craft and deliver the most cost effective and efficient plans for clients. eisnergohngroup.com
Fine Arts Association
Guided by its values of equity, integrity, growth and community, it seeks to create and discover beauty to foster a community empowered by the arts. FAA offers arts education programming in dance, music, theatre, visual arts sand Creative Arts Therapies for all ages and ability levels. In addition to arts education, The FAA Performance Department creates opportunities for members of the community to be involved in every aspect of the theatrical experience. From family musicals to performances by professional musicians, the dynamic performance season has something for everyone. 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org It sparks friendship, connection and support for children of all abilities, their families, and teen volunteers. Children, teens and young adults with developmental disabilities are provided a unique opportunity to make friends and enhance their social skills through a variety of interactive programs alongside their peers. Teen volunteers are given a unique opportunity to experience joy and fulfillment from helping others, while also learning how they can help make the world more inclusive and accepting. Friendship Circle offers a safe place for these friendships to form organically, while also providing fun activities, field trips, community integration, holiday celebrations, family support, sensory stimulation, and so much more. Every child deserves a friend! Contact bree@friendscleveland. com, call 216-377-3000 ext. 1008, or visit friendscleveland.com.
GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland An achievement center located in Lakewood that changes lives through consistent delivery of almost 20 educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. Through these free programs and through the Generation G Campaign for global acceptance, GiGi’s Playhouse and its network of 55 Playhouses across the U.S. and Mexico empower families by maximizing opportunities for daily achievement and lasting acceptance. To ensure lasting acceptance, they must show the world what individuals with Down syndrome are truly capable of achieving as students, co-workers, volunteers, friends and valued members of their communities. The program outcomes help advance this vital social impact goal. gigisplayhouse.org/cleveland
The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children Inc. The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization. This specialized nonpublic charter school is ODE-accredited and its mission is to provide quality education and intervention services for children with autism and developmental disabilities. It hosts a school program for classes kindergarten through 8 th grade. Additionally, it offers a preschool program that provides early intervention to those on the autism spectrum ages 3-5 years old. The Golden Key is an approved provider of both the Autism
Scholarship and the Jon Peterson Scholarship. The Golden Key has no out-of-pocket expenses for its families for any education and therapies services. 330-493-4400, goldenkeyschool.com
Help Me Grow
A system of supports for pregnant women, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children who have developmental delays and disabilities. Call 216-930-3322, 440-389-3322 or 1-800755-GROW, or visit helpmegrow.org
Julie Billiart Schools With campuses in Akron, Lyndhurst and Westlake, this network of K-8 private, Catholic schools educates and empowers children with learning differences. Students with mild to moderate autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety and other learning differences thrive with JB’s small class sizes, onsite therapies, and direct intervention. Visit the website to apply, register for an open house, or learn more about its curriculum. juliebilliartschool.org
Medicore Transport & Achievement Centers a direct-care provider that services Cuyahoga county with two achievement centers, non-medical transportation, and residential care services. Its mission is to enhance its consumers’ lives through growth, development, and exploration that enables them to live an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. Contact Medicore in Cleveland or Parma Heights at 877-706-4407, contactus@ medicoretac.com
Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities A community resource responsible for connecting, coordinating and funding services for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. It helps with everything from early intervention and education opportunities for children to employment and community inclusive living for adults so they can live, learn, work and socialize in the community. mcbdd.org
Milestones Autism Resources It improves the lives of autistic individuals, families, caregivers and professionals by educating, coaching and connecting them to resources. Providing an annual autism conference, a free helpdesk, consultations and training, and a website with more than 1,400 resources, Milestones is here to support individuals at every age, stage and ability. The groundbreaking new Milestones Autism Planning Tool walks you step-by-step through everyday life issues, from early childhood through adulthood. The MAP is truly your online guide for life with easy to navigate, practical strategies and skill-building tips. It will help you plan and prioritize and can be customized to any age, ability and interest. Check it out at milestones.org/map. For more information, visit milestones.org or call the Milestones free autism helpdesk at 216-4647600 ext. 200. To connect with a Spanish speaker, call 216-464-7600 ext. 5.
Pauken Legal Services, LLC
Planning for All the Seasons of Life® — They provide clients with wise, compassionate, and expert guidance to create appropriate estate plans and special needs trusts that provide for the care and security of your family, now and in the future. Their accessible office is located just off Route 422, and Zoom appointments are available. Call them today for a consultation, or book online. 440-4680003, paukenlegal.com.
SAW, Inc.
Started in 1969, the non-profit organization serves the needs of adults with developmental disabilities by offering vocational rehabilitation services, group employment, and adult day-service facilities in Northeast Ohio. sawinc.org
Stride Mobility
A custom rehab wheelchair and DME company, specializes in personalized seating and wheelchair assessments for all age groups throughout Ohio and surrounding states. They provide assistive technology to all ages with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, ALS, Huntington’s, and neurologic and spinal cord injuries. From children to octogenarians, Stride Mobility personally delivers customized wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters to the individual’s home or residence, along with education and service. If you need equipment customized to your specific requirements, call the team and a certified Assistive Technology Professionals will come to you, 419-616-6017, stridemobility.net Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD)
A resource that makes meaningful connections for more than 4,700 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Summit County. Our levy-funded Agency provides and coordinates essential services people rely on each day. Whether it's early intervention services for a newborn child or retirement services for a senior citizen, Summit DD provides a lifetime of support for those eligible for our services. Learn more about how we help set people up for success at SummitDD.org or by calling 330-634-8000.
It helps more than 3,700 Stark county children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities by “supporting choices and creating opportunities.” The services provided by Stark DD help children learn to reach their full potential. Help parents become more confident and support their child’s development. Help adults to live comfortable, independent lives. Stark DD’s services not only provide the assistance needed to improve a life when needed, they help provide support to last a lifetime. Stark DD provides help for good. For resources at all life stages, explore our Navigation Tool at starkddnav.org. 330-477-5200, starkdd.org
Thrive Through Tennis A nonprofit organization that promotes participants to play Tennis to improve their Health. They see Results and get Inspiration to be their best! We Value individuals of all ages and abilities. We provide Education with physical, mental and psychosocial benefits. THRiVE runs Adaptive, Wheelchair and Homeschool Tennis programs at Center Court Tennis Club 1 Eagle Valley Court, Broadview Heights OH 44147. For more information call 440-838-5600 or visit our website Thrivetennis.org.
UCP of Greater Cleveland The mission of UCP of Greater Cleveland is to empower children and adults with disabilities to advance their independence, productivity and inclusion in the community. UCP serves individuals with a broad range of disabilities through two Centers of Excellence: LeafBridge for children and OakLeaf for adults. Visit ucpcleveland.org or call 216-791-8363 to learn more.
