Common Roots Farm is about growing great food, beautiful flowers, and mutual relationships.
Farming offers a unique and tangible setting where individuals of all abilities can engage in meaningful work, build relationships, and develop new skills in an inclusive and accessible environment.
Farming activities naturally foster teamwork and collaboration. By involving individuals with I/DD in tasks like planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, they become part of a larger effort to feed our community and care for our land.
Shared work builds connection.
Working side by side with others helps break down stereotypes and biases.
People are often surprised by the abilities and contributions of people with disabilities when they see them perform farm tasks effectively, like harvesting vegetables, sowing seeds, or planting. These shared experiences allow all participants to see one another as capable and not defined by disability.
We are shifting attitudes.
Common Roots Farm (CRF) is a natural setting where people with different physical and cognitive abilities, along with different learning modalities, are welcome.
We aim to empower our disability community members to lead in the local food movement.
Our farm includes a one-acre riparian habitat and affords visitors and participants alike an opportunity to become immersed in nature, while still less than one mile from Santa Cruz’s downtown center.
