Part 1 of a two-part series about Helping Friendly Farm
New Hope, PA is known for its bucolic beauty, rich ties to history, and an eclectic town center with stunning views of the Delaware River. Nestled in the countryside of this desirable town is Helping Friendly Farm – the best hidden secret in the entirety of New Hope.
For neurodiverse families, outings can be limited if locations don’t support the needs of family members who struggle in social settings. Thankfully, Jessica Zander (Jess) decided to put her dream of a sensory farm in Bucks County. I know that I, and many other families, are counting our blessings by having Helping Friendly Farm in our own community.
At the heart of Helping Friendly Farm is Jessica’s belief that “the sibling relationship and the familial relationship is so important to practicing skills.” As a parent of children with complex autoimmune disorders, Jess saw how therapies could be isolating, failing to engage her two children at the same time if one was receiving services. I know that many special needs families can empathize with what Jess went through, myself included. From her experience, Jess recognized that a safe place to form sibling and family relationships was necessary in the special needs community. Thus began the dream of Helping Friendly Farm.
In November of 2018, Jess began working through the steps of creating a safe experience for families of all abilities to get back to nature. COVID stalled the reality of Jess’ dreams, but after 3 years, she was ready to open the barn doors of Helping Friendly Farm.
Just a day at Helping Friendly Farm truly felt like magic for my family. The entire space exudes peace and beauty.
Parents of children who are in therapy know that play is often dictated and regulated so that the child can achieve their goals. It can be exhausting and challenging for our children to do that repeatedly day after day or week after week. However, Jess created this barn space so that “the equipment is familiar, but goals are not being dictated,” and each child can feel freedom in that choice of play.
Jess recently hosted her first birthday party at Helping Friendly Farm. It was a small group of extended family, and she observed that the experience went extremely well. (Large groups and overstimulation make birthday parties a difficult part of everyday life for kids with sensory needs.) But at the farm, Jess created a type of freedom many children never experience. Walking through the farm, I envisioned my own family enjoying birthdays here for my son while knowing he won’t be overwhelmed and can just be himself. I know Jess understands how important of an experience she is slowly building at the farm for families like mine with these special events.
I thought the farm could not get better than the Sensory Barn, but I was wrong. As my children ran into the fields to explore the organic food, G.O.A.T.S, chickens, and the cutest donkeys, I was overcome with an even bigger appreciation for what Jess is doing at her farm.
Part 2 on the rest of the farm (and this cutie, Elvis) coming soon!
At-Home Date Night, Self Care & Family Boxes for Caregiver Parents Heather Chamlee, a neurodivergent …
If you are from the Philadelphia area, you know that it would not be summer …
Do your kids love Bluey as much as mine?!
Bluey x CAMP is coming to the Philadelphia Area from December 2024 through the beginning of May 2025!
Explore a recreation of the Heeler`s house with hands-on experiences and end your day meeting Bluey and Bingo!
Each month there will be Sensory Friendly times available that were designed by occupational therapists. There will be increased staff to help support those who need it, as well as:
💡Dimmed lights
🎧 Lowered sounds
🎲 Modified games
📍King of Prussia Mall
160 N Gulph Rd, Level 3
King of Prussia, PA 19406
#bluey #kingofprussiamall #sensoryfriendlyphilly #sensoryfriendly #sensoryplay #autismfun #autismacceptance #sensoryprocessingdisorder #spd #autismfriendly #autismfamily
Families in the Bucks County, PA area - check out @lucentreflections for your family photos!
Lucy was so engaged with my children, and gave my son time to warm up to her and the idea of photos. She was so flexible with our ever changing schedule, and even came to our house where my son was more comfortable.
She is a blessing to the neurodivergent population and giving space and time so that every family member feels comfortable!
Thanks for the beautiful photos, Lucy ❤️
#buckscountypa #buckscountyphotographer #familyphotography #autismfriendly #autismfamily
Did you know that select @chuckecheese locations offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays on the 1st Sunday of each month?
🌟 Opens 2 hours early
🔦 Reduced lighting and noise
🎮 Food and games offered
♾️ Trained and caring staff
Save this reel for locations around the Philadelphia area that offer Sensory Sensitive Sundays! (Not all locations participate so check before you go 🙂)
#autismfamily #sensoryfriendlyphilly #sensoryfriendly #chuckecheese #autismmom #explorebuckscounty #visitphilly #visitnj #cherryhillnj #dover #princeton #visitdelaware #phillyparents
Looking for advice on IEPs, 504 Plans, or special education in general? We have you covered!
Come join Bucks County Neurodivergent Family Connects - a FREE monthly support group for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children.
My dear friend @bethiesue23 and I have found so much strength with fellow caregivers and hope to meet more of you as our group continues to expand.
Our July 18th meeting will be a bit different - Educational Advocate, Suzie Showalter, will be coming to speak on all things special education and answer any questions on the need for advocacy in IEP/504 meetings and the rights of our children.
This event is FREE, but please email BUCKSCONDFAMilyconnections@gmail.com or DM me to RSVP. Space is limited!
#educationaladvocate #IEP #specialeducation #504plan #specialedsupport #buckscountypa #buckscondfamilyconnections
🚨 AU-SOME DESTINATION ALERT 🚨
Did you know @legoland.newyork is a Certified Autism Center?
If you are looking for a great deal on tickets for this summer, I have two for you that are available!
- Kids tickets are currently $29 with purchase of a full price adult ticket via the Legoland New York Resort website
- @groupon is also running a 36% savings special with tickets starting at $55.10 for select days this summer
It is hard traveling, especially with loved ones who have extra needs to keep in mind. But finding a great deal on a Certified Autism Center is a great place to start!
#autismfamily #autismtravel #legolandny #legoland #sensoryfriendly #certifiedautismcenter #familytravel #autismacceptance #autismmom #autismfun #ausomedestination #mostausomejourney
Family Bonding at Helping Friendly Farm - Part 2 - The Most Au-Some Journey | 2nd May 23
[…] Read Part 1 here […]