Meadowlark Barn and Farm - Year 1
Meadowlark Barn and Farm will be an effort for our facility to be self sustaining. We will use it to bring in revenue, feed our residents and offer therapies. Horticultural therapy will be offered in the green houses, and is an integral part of our methodology at Meadowlark. The Kansas State University article by Erin Barcomb-Peterson puts it best. To paraphrase: Gardens are healing, restorative, and horticulture is easily adapted. The ultimate reason for gardening is not the growth of plants, but rather the cultivation and perfection of people. Original Article by Erin Barcomb-Peterson
We will offer job training in our gardens. Produce will be donated to local food banks, sold through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and restaurant partnerships, and will supply our dining halls. The Barn portion will be free range and welfare centered, as well as housing our equine therapy program (through partnerships).
We will offer job training in our gardens. Produce will be donated to local food banks, sold through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and restaurant partnerships, and will supply our dining halls. The Barn portion will be free range and welfare centered, as well as housing our equine therapy program (through partnerships).
Meadowlark Services - Year 2
Meadowlark Services will offer therapies in home and on site for subscribing families. We will set up a non profit group to offer scholarships and reduced cost care for those in need either due to severity or financial hardship.
Meadowlark Event Center - Year 2
We will also construct an event center/gathering space on the farm. The event center will house an event space, commercial kitchen, restaurant (through partnerships), and some classrooms to make maximum use of the building. The facility will offer further job training in the form of catering, restaurant service, a bakery, and retail. Meadowlark Event Center will offer events for family and the general public. We also will provide support groups for parents, siblings, and clients.
Meadowlark Trade and Craft Workshop - Year 3
At Meadowlark, we care deeply about each individual finding and expressing their individual strengths, interests, and talents. Meadowlark Trade and Craft workshop will offer a variety of hands on, creative process jobs that bring fulfillment and purpose to our serviceable population. Serviceable Population is intended to include, but not be limited to individuals with Autism, ADD, Downs Syndrome, Deaf and or Blind, Behavioral and cognitive challenges. We will offer job training in woodwork, clothing and textiles, paper craft, glass art, and more. The artists will sell their creations at our retail store, as well as at art and craft fairs around the region and each artist will earn commission on top of their hourly salary. Every skill will be appreciated, and every talent will be celebrated.
Meadowlark Brewery and Vinting - Year 5
Meadowlark Brewery and Vinting will offer job training to our serviceable population, and generate revenue from tourism and sales. We plan to partner with Miami County Wine Trolley to ensure community visibility, as well as offer tastings and sales independently. We will brew craft fruit beers, meade and wines.
Meadowlark Vista Residences - Year 6
Sustainable, renewable, cozy and safe are the guiding principles behind our residential program. The first few homes may be purchased fixer uppers catering to more independent persons who may just need accommodations or to be checked on periodically. After sufficient funds and property have been procured, we intend to build an eco-friendly, inclement weather-proof community using sustainable methods and materials. These homes will tie in to the landscape, be inherently tornado resistant, and have a carbon neutral presence.
Meadowlark School - Year 7
The encompassing idea behind Meadowlark School will be geared toward learners of all abilities who may not find public school accommodating, challenging, or otherwise suited to their learning style. The class size vision is small, 5-10 Learners per Mentor. The Learners who are able should be given a lot of autonomy over how they demonstrate their grasp of the learning subject. Standardized tests can be given at intake, 6th grade, and at graduation. The Mentors and Learners ideally will be matched based on learning/teaching style and Learners will stay with their assigned Mentor throughout that Mentor's certification range. This encourages everyone to make the most of their time together, because they'll be together for more than one year. It is more valuable to learn a person when you know they won't be gone in a year. Our non profit will also assist with tuition for Learners based on financial and intellectual need.
Company Structure - Year 10ish
When Meadowlark has met our expectations, we intend change the structure of the company from an LLC to a corporate structure with the parents and residents as the share holders retaining Aimee and Breanne as members of a board. The board will be comprised of Aimee, Breanne, a therapist representative, a parent representative, and a resident representative to ensure that the purpose never deviates from the mission statement; putting people first and quality of life over profits.