Buying the Farm - How do we get there from here? Susan Riggle Waterson Alex Krem - Living ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Buying
the
Farm…
How do we get there from here?
Susan Riggle Waterson letsbuythefarm@gmail.com
Alex Krem alex@campingunlimited.org
Agenda Rural Intentional Communities. What? Benefits of farm based living. Momma, where do eggs come from? Disadvantages of farm living. How we gonna keep ‘em down on the farm, after they’ve seen TV? How? Quick summary of what to do. Who’s on first? Different roles -- from pioneer or benefactor to cheer-leader and quiet observer. Considerations: Creating a unique ethos. No two alike. Getting there. Ain’t no easy run. What next? Forming working groups to advance this urgent and necessary strategy.
48 down -- 6,000 to go !
6
2
1
1 4
5
4
2 1 2
1
1
5 1
3
3 1
Existing Farms
7 for the
Developmentally
1 Disabled in the
US
Cedars of Marin - Garden
Cedars of Marin - Housing
Camphill (Soquel, CA)
A Modest Start – Camp Krem (Boulder Creek, CA)
Camp Krem
Camp Krem
Handicrafts - Camp Krem
Homes – Innisfree (VA)
Animals, Plants and Soaps – Innisfree (VA)
Weavery – Innisfree (VA)
Woodshop – Innisfree (VA)
Housing - Camphill (PA & NY)
Farming and Crafts -- Camphill (PA & NY)
Rural Living… It may not be for everyone
Benefits and difficulties of farm based living Benefits Valued work and self esteem Communion with Nature Enhanced understanding (“Momma, where do eggs come from?”, Birds & bees and more) Disadvantages Ain’t no bright lights. No fast cars. No fast food. How we gonna keep ‘em down on the farm, after they’ve seen TV?
How - Quick summary of what to do.
Legal
• Corporate form: non-profit corporation, public-grant, condo, tenants in common, other.
• Details: articles of incorporation, by-laws, boards of directors, advisory boards, state and Federal registration, liability and D&O insurance)
Separating property ownership from caregiving. (One group for both, or separate ownership and management of accommodations from
provision of care (Financial
• sources of funds (parents, friends and relatives, foundations, corporate donors, state and Federal funding)
• uses of funds (estimating capital expenditures and operating expenses)
Mainstreaming Issues
• Living with same age or elderly neurotypical?
• Living with caregivers?
Grounds and Buildings
• Ideal configurations and options
• Modifying existing buildings or purpose built
• Food, laundry, security, amenities (from swimming pools and saunas to weight rooms and garden greenhouses)
• Safety Issues (handling agricultural chemicals, bees and large animals to the use of machines and power tools)
• Farm Production (surplus sold at the farm gate, farmers markets and sponsoring shops and restaurants)
• Handicraft workshops (soaps, wooden toys, textiles, pottery, etc. for sale in the community and online)
Transportation issues (use of private cars? Operating a van service? Limo and taxi services? Public transport?)
Oversight. Creating a mechanism to protect your child and your investment in the future.One Idea
Creating a unique ethos. No two alike • Guiding Philosophy • Humanist emphasis • Age mix • Mix of diagnosis • Love and marriage issues • Varying need for Caregiver support • Close to urban amenities • Close to family
Getting there If this were easy, everyone would be doing it. 1. Planning 2. Time 3. Money 4. Knowledge 5. Core Group
Who’s on first? Different roles for different folks • Core Group (3 – 5 Pioneer Families) • Benefactors (Big or Lots) • Secondary supporters (Potential residents) • Cheer-leaders (No such thing as too many) • Quiet observers (Wait and see)
What next?
Form working groups
Decide what is best for your child and you
Picture the garden in bloom – before plantingContact
Susan Riggle Waterson
letsbuythefarm@gmail.com
(510) 334-7420
Alex Krem
alex@campingunlimited.org
(510) 610 3555You can also read
