We are thrilled to be able to welcome visitors back to the Farm and get out to explore the vibrant community in the Berkshires once again! Our staff recently had the pleasure of visiting BlueQ and ExtraSpecialTeas, where we found incredible inspiration for our own social enterprise operations as we prepare to reopen the Roadside Store and Cafe. Lisanne summed up the experience perfectly, saying
"It was truly invigorating to see these amazing people and businesses in action and to feel inspired to continue our mission of marrying purpose and enterprise here at Gould Farm."
We can't wait to see where this energy takes us next! We formed new connections and rekindled existing ones with people from:
Kiva Centers in eastern Massachusetts, who visited us to talk about their peer respite work and learn more about the Gould Farm model.
The soon-to-open J.S. Bryant Therapeutic School in Cummington, MA, a school for LGBTQIA+ youth that incorporates farm work into its program. Their founders and members of their board visited Gould Farm for a tour and lunch.
The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust, who are focused on preserving indigenous culture and history and supporting the northeast Native American populations.
Berkshire Grown and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, great local partners in our shared efforts around creating sustainable local food economies. Berkshire Ag Ventures supported the building of our new high tunnel and we recently collaborated with Berkshire Grown on hosting a grazing school workshop for about 25 local farmers.
Additional connections we’re grateful to collaborate with and support include Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Berkshire Pride Festival, Visionaries, WWOOF, Brethren Volunteer Service, Asian Rural Institute, Therapeutic Consulting Association, Care Farming Network, and more!
Stay tuned, as always, for news about what unfolds as these relationships take root.