The Lands at Hillside Farms is committed to enriching the community through hands-on educational and family-focused experiences. With nearly two decades of collaborative efforts in place, our non-profit educational dairy farm continues to foster partnerships and host events that extend our mission across different community sectors.

Long-standing Partnership with Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18

Dream Green Farm

Established: 2009, initially as a two-year USDA pilot program.
Location: 2-acre field located near the farm's Education Center.
Program Overview: Dream Green Farm is a transitional vocational training program designed specifically for special needs students from Luzerne County Intermediate Unit 18 (LIU18). Under the guidance of LIU18 job coaches, students engage in various sustainable agricultural activities including planting, harvesting, and selling produce at the Wilkes-Barre Farmer's Market. Students also assist with the daily care of our farm animals.
Sustainability: Achieved 100% program sustainability by year three.
Outcomes: Successful transition of students into the workforce, with past students securing employment at reputable local businesses such as Lowe's, Home Depot, and Misericordia University.

2025 Inaugural Partnership with King's College

Collaboration: Occupational Therapy Department Doctoral Program led by Dr. Jennifer Dessoye, Department Chair.
Program Overview: In coordination with King's College, our Care Farming Program has been integrated into the required fieldwork for students. This involvement serves as a testament to the educational caliber and commitment to community service by both King's and Hillside Farms.

2025 Inaugural Partnership with the Cancer Wellness Center

Collaboration: Recently began partnership with the Cancer Wellness Center of NEPA (previously known as Candy's Place). We provide respite focused activities and experiences for patients and families.

Community Engagement and Annual Events

General Public Offering

Farm Attractions: Year-round access to open spaces, streams, and farm animals coupled with shopping experiences in our Dairy Store and Mercantile.

Annual Events Calendar

Farm Attractions: Each January, we publish a calendar filled with farm-focused activities, presentations, and workshops tailored to all age groups and interests. Included with this overview is our 2025 Events Calendar.

Non-Profit Partnerships

Food Dignity Movement: Hillside serves as a quarterly site for Food Dignity's “Take What You Need, Pay What You Can” stand. This stand offers to the public a large variety of locally grown produce as well as pastured eggs.

CASA Wyoming Valley: Hillside hosts CASA's annual Christmas party for children in the foster care system. Also, each year, one-week of our Care Farming Trauma Program serves children in the Luzerne and Wyoming County foster care system. CASA staff and volunteers provide support for both events.

Luzerne County 4-H: As the local hub for Penn State University, Hillside's staff and parent volunteers supervise weekly hands-on learning experiences related to farm animal care and sustainable farming practices. In addition, smaller work groups come onsite to perform weekly chores such as mucking stalls, replacing bedding, grooming, turn out/in, and feeding.

Conclusion

The collaboration among educational institutions and non-profit organizations enhances our service to the community, consistently building on our decades-long commitment as a teaching farm. It is our hope and belief that these investments not only support the well-being and education of our students, visitors, and customers, but also foster a greater appreciation for nature and sustainable living within the wider community. This overview serves as a reflection of our ongoing efforts and future endeavors aimed at strengthening community ties and enriching lives.

For information on our farm-based programs, contact Abby Collins, Director of Education, at abbyc@hillsidefarms.org.