Special Hearts Farm in Winter Garden serves adults with disabilities through adult day training, supported employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities related to farming and gardening. Participants, called farmers, care for animals, tend gardens, and complete farm-related tasks. Responsibilities rotate weekly, and participants are paid for their work.
The nonprofit received Community Development Block Grant funding through Orange County for the first time, allowing it to hire a mental health professional. During the current fiscal year, Orange County allocated $3.5 million in CDBG funding across 20 nonprofit organizations supporting public services, capital improvement projects, housing rehabilitation efforts, and homeless services.
Cofounders Kathy Meena and Jennifer Elliott started Special Hearts Farm after noticing a gap in services for people with disabilities once they age out of the school system. Michael Woolhouse has formed a bond with Claribel, a seven-year-old miniature zebu. According to Meena, he sits with the normally timid cow and calms down on difficult days, while he helps her feel safe and comfortable.
Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom:
https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/04/special-hearts-farm-helps-adults-with-disabilities-overcome-difficult-days/
🤖 AI-assisted content notice: This item was written with AI assistance from the source document linked above. The underlying facts come from that public source, not from our own reporting. No quotes, interviews or original reporting are implied. Spotted something wrong? Email corrections@theorlandoconnect.com.
