The Flower Plan Research

As a part of my business research I connected with dozens of community networks across AU and USA . These networks showed me how to operate activities for people with a disability, by interacting with animals and plants to empower meaningful engagement. This experience gave me insight into how the variety of services that can be delivered privately, and how they can be adapted in Australia, including current social justice gaps.

Hope Springs Farm, Pennsylvania USA (NFP), visited Jul 2018. 

Here, I am speaking to Larry, the director from one of the farms I visited in the states.  From the experience of having their own child with an intellectual disability, they were inspired to run their farm independently, to engage them in a program that provided  meaning and purpose.  This photo was advertised in the NEW YORK times!Larry told me how to run a special enterprise like this independently by stating "only do what you can, that way you will be able to assist the need, and keep in mind that you cannot help everyone."

 Pepper Green Farm, April 2021 Bendigo VIC AUS. - Government supported

On this networking occasion, I took my parents with me to help them understand my desire to run a program as like.  Here, we visited a network in Australia where they engage community members who require employment pathway and education skills. This is done through horticulture, craft and other alternative strategies. 

With the help from a leader here in Australia, and from this experience, I was able to understand the diversity in commercial and private areas of community based enterprises and funding legislation in Australia.