Nonprofit aims to provide farming opportunities for disabled individuals in Leet Township

Allison and Charles Hill are farmers-in-training.

The Hills recently purchased 90 acres adjacent to their Leet Township home and launched Harvesting Hope Acres, a nonprofit farm that will be dedicated to helping disabled teens and adults.

They announced the news on social media on Feb. 28 in hopes of cultivating contacts and resources to make their dream a reality. Harvesting Hope Acres was granted official nonprofit status on March 10.

“We’ve had this dream for decades — to have a nonprofit farm that would benefit older teens and adults with profound disabilities. It’s been a pipe dream, but now it’s going to happen,” said Allison Hill, who described herself as a 0% farmer, but somebody with a willing heart, strong work ethic and a readiness to learn.

Harvesting Hope Acres is located off Camp Meeting Road, and the acreage has sat untouched for more than 50 years. The land is zoned agricultural.

When up and running, the Hills said, Harvesting Hope Acres will provide meaningful work, skill building and social communication for adults with profound disabilities.

“Profound disabilities require that someone needs the help of an aide, teacher or parent most, if not all, of the time,” Allison said. “There’s just so few resources for the disability population.”

The Hills’ son Jacob, 14, is autistic, and his big brother Tyler, 15, attends Arise Classical Academy in Sewickley.

Jacob is a part-time student taking electives and music at Quaker Valley Middle School.

The family is rounded out by daughter Jordan Fox, a senior at Texas A&M University.

Fox added the farm will fill a need.

“In a world that too often shuts out people with disabilities, I think the farm will open so many doors and opportunities. I believe that everyone deserves a supportive community and meaningful work,” Fox said.

Brother Tyler is protective of his younger brother and is excited to see the evolution of the nonprofit.

“Throughout our lives time and time again, God has placed opportunities in our path to help the special needs community. Getting the chance to do this gives us the opportunity to shine a light and make an even bigger impact,” Tyler said.

In Texas, the Hills lived in suburbia and didn’t have an agricultural option for their dream of living on a farm.

Charles, an avid hunter, was given permission by former landowner Floyd Wine to hunt on the property.

“We had breakfast in Ambridge, and he agreed to sell,” Charles said. “In his words, ‘There’s more to life than money.’ ”

The couple did not disclose the sale price, but Allegheny County property records show they purchased it for $180,000 on Feb. 28.

“I think he didn’t want the land to be developed,” Allison said.

Wine declined to comment for this story.

Harvesting Hope Acres aims to offer disabled individuals a sense of purpose by teaching them gardening, animal care and other valuable skills.

“I just prayed about it and thought about it,” Allison said of choosing the name. “I just wanted it to be something that represented hope for our community and hope for the population that we’ll be serving.”

The Hills said the long-term goal is to sell vegetables at a farmer’s market and pay individuals working on the farm.

“Beyond that, just being outside is good for mental health and being a part of their community,” Allison said. “It’s personal to us.”

Challenging perceptions

The family moved from Houston to the Sewickley area last year.

Charles works in the oil and gas industry and Allison works from home as a copy editor in the health industry. The family never dreamed they’d be living in Pittsburgh.

“We want to support (Jacob) but make a positive impact in the community and challenge perceptions showing everyone, regardless of their abilities, has something to contribute to the community. That’s really important to us,” Allison said.

In America, only about 20 percent of disabled individuals are employed and that number is lower for those with more severe disabilities.

“It was a blessing and I feel like God orchestrated the whole thing,” Allison said. “This farm is a chance to create something special in Sewickley.”

The farm will include beekeeping, growing flowers and veggies and making non-edible items such as candles.

The Hills are extending an open invitation to the public, including local farmers who can help educate the couple on farming practices.

Additionally, the Hills are hopeful that volunteers will step up and offer to assist with grant writing.

First up is paving the road to the farm so it’s easily accessible for wheelchairs.

“Our biggest hurdle right now is getting a road and clearing a little bit of the property,” Allison said. “We’re praying for donations of recycled asphalt or crushed concrete.”

Charles praised his wife’s dedication and work ethic.

“I know things will start progressing. She gets things done,” he said.

Shane Dunlap | TRIBLIVE

A scene of the property purchased by Allison Hill that will be turned into Harvesting Hope Acres, seen on March 4.

The couple will find time for Harvesting Hopes while juggling their full-time jobs and family life.

“Ultimately I would love to be working on the farm in 4-5 years, that would be great,” Allison said.

The acreage is hilly and level in some areas and chickens, goats and donkeys are planned to call the farm home.

The family plans to place remembrance stones on the farm as physical reminders of God’s faithfulness, grace and provision for their family, Allison said.

The plan is to keep all 90 acres clean and green and future plans include growing pine trees on the property so they can eventually sell Christmas trees.

“I am flabbergasted by how many people want to help, volunteer and they’ve been very, very supportive. I don’t think we could have picked a better city to move to and the town of Sewickley,” Allison said.