Not looking for anything except support and perhaps some mentoring.

My daughter was essentially turned down today from an east coat university that offers a 'farmers apprenticeship program' ,,,,,, she is handicapped.  And apparently you need a college degree to be an apprentice on a farm 

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ...................................... What I am looking for is some support.  Not simply for my daughter (that would be way too easy) but for other kids either like my daughter (disabled) or who are disadvantaged (i.e. who don't have a silver spoon and have no chance of getting one) to set up a place to live.


I can put up the value of my house ... and remain in a steady job.  But I may need some experise/mentoring/assistance.  I have already scoped out at least two farms that I can trade in for my house (i.e. trading one mortgage for another).

Anyone interested in donating some time at some point in the future?  It doesn't have to be much but it would make all the difference in the world to the lives of these kids.  Especially since their options for post secondary employment training are pretty limited.


<edited>  Was pretty upset last night - had to explain to my daughter that she probably won't be able to do the course she had set her heart on.

Where are you located?  Holistic Management International offers workshops for young women farmers.  They have a couple of locations in the US.  On the East Coast, there is the Small Farm Institute that hooks up people wanting to be farmers with mentors.  Any ag extension might have a list of mentors as well.

Have you considered WWOOFing?  We've had kids with various disabilities come through our doors.  Aspergers, brain damage, cystic fibrosis.  Depending on the circumstances, many farms would be willing to work with your daughter.

IceWalker, what is your location that you are looking at trading for a farm?  I'm young and have been working in agriculture for a few years.  I've got a bronze spoon, maybe even that elusive silver one you mentioned.  If you're magically in Wisconsin I may just be coming to your area next year and would love to see how I could help with my time and labor.

hmmm...I just posted an "intern wanted" for my dad's farm in NC--where are you and your daughter?  I wonder if we could work something out with my dad--he's n NC...I'd love to see him keep the farm, I just can't get up there much right now to help out (I'm in Florida).

email me at loretta@wegrowfromhere.com and maybe we can figure out a way to help each other!