By: Anne Marie Sanderson, Citizen Journalist
Providing hospitality, energy, and spiritual and emotional support for children with special needs and their families is the focus of the Hopeful Farm Foundation. Claire Novak, 24 year-old founder of the organization, is working to build a retreat center in the Lexington area that caters specifically to all children with special needs as well as their families,
“The challenges families impacted by special needs face on a daily basis are often overwhelming and also overlooked,” said Novak, a lifelong equestrian who grew up working with children with special needs through therapeutic riding. “The need is very real for an all-access getaway for these families, and the chance of an escape from the exhausting everyday grind is like a lifeline to them.”
This program was started in late 2009 with a great vision for supporting and strengthening families impacted by special needs – enhancing the quality of life for individuals with special needs and offering rejuvenation and resources to those who love and care for them. The goal and purpose of the organization is to help families find time to focus on each other, build relationships, and gain refreshment and renewal in while providing recreational activities that the entire family can do together in an all-inclusive environment.
When you have a special needs child, Novak explained, finding recreational activities can be difficult because of their specific limitations. The Hopeful Farm Foundation intends to provide an all-access facility that families in these situations can visit without worrying about the added stress of their child’s limitations.
“I can’t wait to open the doors to our first visitors,” the founder said. “Many families that have been impacted by special needs are already supporting our organization financially and through their prayers, believing in our vision and hoping for the future.”
At this point the organization is actively seeking the donation of land in or around the Fayette County area. They are accepting financial donations and looking for volunteers to help with fundraising and board and committee-related events. They are also providing the opportunity to sign up for a waiting list of families who would like to visit the retreat center once it is completed. To sign up as a volunteer or participant you may visit, www.hopefulfarm.org, Again, all donations are welcome.
