Growing Purpose, Cultivating Inclusion Homesteads for Hope

Episode 124: In this enlightening podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of music and its power to transform lives, specifically young girls. Our guest is Amanda Ashley from Girls Rock Rochester, a non-profit that uses music to instill confidence in girls and guide them through the often male-dominated music industry. Amanda shares the inspiring stories of Mike and Rebecca, two apprentices from Homesteads for Hope, who went from exploring their passion for music to forming their own band, all under the supportive environment of Girls Rock Rochester. We discuss the crucial role of respect, acceptance, and empowerment in fostering inclusivity and how music can serve as a bridge in a world teeming with differences. Join us on this empowering musical journey where we're not just hitting the right notes, but also transforming lives along the way.

https://girlsrockrochester.org/

In this episode, you will meet David Palermo, a dedicated Homesteads Board Member and Financial Advisor. He will share how he came to know about our community farm and future housing village and why he feels our mission is investment worthy.

David will also shed light on different ways our community members can donate to nonprofits beyond cash or check. You will appreciate his direct, easy to understand way of describing finances and we think that by the end of this episode, you will feel empowered to PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART IS.

Thank you to RocVox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com

In this episode, you will meet Mark Olson the CEO LTO Ventures. Jenny met him at the beginning our her nonprofit journey and wanted to share some of his wisdom with our audience. Mark is an amazing person who has made it is his life's work to help communities build housing villages all over the country. Take some notes, dig into this content and let us know if you'd like Mark back on our show to answer your questions. You will learn how each state is navigating the need for housing, especially for those with special needs. Mark will tell you about some of the more progressive waiver programs and ideas to advocate for in your hometown. Please visit Mark's website to learn more: https://www.ltoventures.org/ Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com

In this episode you'll learn about some of the history of our canalside property, as well as a sneak peak into what the future holds for Homesteads for Hope.

This episode includes some unique perspectives from our Founder and CEO, Jennyrae Brongo (whose Great Uncle previously owned the property), our local Assembly Member Josh Jensen (who grew up in our area and majored in history), and our Canal Way Grant Representative, Andy Marzo.

Our conversation will touch on some of the reasons why our history-rich campus stands out and is memorable, as well as the need for some updates and upgrades to improve accessibility for people with varying physical and safety needs.

Many people have heard of accessible playgrounds...

Homesteads for Hope strives to be one the first truly accessible farms with a campus that offers a continuum of opportunities for people of all abilities. Thank you to Roc Vox Studios for helping us share this valuable content. www.rocvox.com

In this episode, you’ll get to know Laura Bentley and Darrell Morgan who specialize in meeting your Kubota equipment needs at Bentley Brothers in Albion and Brockport.

Last year, right around this time, we were looking for a tractor and stumbled across Kubota’s 50th anniversary contest. We fill out grant applications every day and they can be painful – but – this was a quick and easy form asking why we were making our HOMETOWN PROUD.

It took 5 minutes and we made it to the finals. People across the country began voting for Homesteads for Hope and we ended up winning the grand prize of $200K!!

Learn what we have done with this monumental gift and how we have developed a meaningful relationship with Bentley Brothers.

Kubota and specifically, our friends at Bentley Brother are champions of the farm and are a great example of how local businesses can make a real difference in communities like ours!

In this episode, you will meet two amazing women who are fellow MOUNTAIN MOVERS! Teena is a self-advocate and well-known for her "suitcase" presentation where she unpacks what life looks like for people with disabilities. Julie not only works to support families who have loved ones with special needs, she also has two children on the Spectrum. Navigating adulthood can be hard enough and then adding in the need for some accommodations and safeguards can be daunting. Our guests teamed up with us to talk with us about the idea that EVERYONE NEEDS A PLACE TO CALL HOME - A place that feels like home because there is CHOICE and the respect and dignity to build a life around what personally matters to each person. As the discussion unfolds, you'll realize that while our current housing reality is tough, there have been times that even fewer options were available. Lean into this conversation and learn how we can "work" our current system and advocate for change. We hope you leave the discussion with some ideas and peace of mind knowing you are not alone. Thank you to RocVox for helping us share this important content. www.rocvox.com