HIRAM FARM LIVING & LEARNING COMMUNITY INC

What HIRAM FARM LIVING & LEARNING COMMUNITY INC does

Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community Inc is an Ohio-based nonprofit (founded 2008, program opened June 2009) that operates a 120-acre organic farm in Hiram, Ohio, under long-term lease from the Couch Farm Trustees. It provides day services, vocational training, and therapeutic programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder — across Northeast Ohio. Core programs include agricultural work (organic vegetables, livestock, a hydro-organic greenhouse funded by the Michael Talty and Helen Talmy Charitable Trust, and chicken tractors modeled after Joel Salatin's Polyface Farm), art therapy and weaving, ceramics, and a woodworking shop producing the "Franklin Furniture" line.

The organization's business model blends nonprofit revenue streams with light product commerce. Earned revenue comes from the on-site Farm Stand (seasonal produce and eggs), the year-round Farmhouse Gallery (handmade crafts, body products, Franklin Furniture), and produce distribution at Miles Farm Market in Solon and Hiram College. Philanthropic revenue runs through an annual gala ("A Night at Hiram Farm" — $60/ticket, $500/table, $500-$2,500 sponsorship tiers), rotating third-party-venue fundraisers (Fiesta for the Farm, Sip & Support, Brews and Moos), an online donation channel via Zeffy, and a published wish list for in-kind contributions. Twelve on-site community garden plots provide nominal rental income.

Governance is provided by a 16-member volunteer board including Executive Director De Ann K. Brewer, Board President Dr. Brittany L. Jackson, and officers Justine Laning, Amy Kalk, and Rev. Roger McKinney. The nonprofit is operationally independent, governed by community members, and currently lists only 10 employees with recent reports of funding cuts. Strategic challenges include the cessation of disclosed participant growth metrics after 2017 (when 31 participants were served) and reliance on a fragile mix of event-driven fundraising and donation flows.

Name

HIRAM FARM LIVING & LEARNING COMMUNITY INC

Legal name

Hiram Farm Living and Learning Community Inc

Website

https://hiramfarm.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community Inc is a Hiram, Ohio-based nonprofit operating a 120-acre organic farm that delivers day services, vocational training, and therapeutic programming — including art, ceramics, woodworking, and hydroponic agriculture — for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Northeast Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adult Day Services for Developmental Disabilities

NAICS

Sheep and Goat Farming (1124), Hog and Pig Farming (112210), Support Activities for Animal Production (115210)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYAFAIANAC

Farm-to-Consumer Produce Boxes / CSA Delivery

Agriculture & Food Production/Food Distribution & Wholesale/Direct-to-Consumer Food Distribution

SECONDARYCRAHAHAE

Farmers’ Markets & Farm Stands (Fresh Food)

Consumer Products & Retail/Grocery & Food Retail/Fresh Food Specialists (Produce, Meat, Seafood)

Keywords

• Adult day services
• Developmental disability programs
• Organic farm operations
• Vocational day programs
• Art therapy programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Hiram

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Farm Stand and Gallery Sales: Seasonal produce and handmade crafts (woodworking, body products, ceramics, candles, soaps) sold through the Farm Stand and Farmhouse Gallery year-round. Also sold at Miles Farm Market in Solon and Hiram College on Thursdays.
2. Donations and Fundraising Events: Major annual fundraiser 'A Night at Hiram Farm', plus community events (Fiesta for the Farm, Sip & Support, Brews and Moos). Donations accepted via Zeffy platform. Funding has been drastically cut recently.
3. Community Garden Plots: Twelve small garden plots made available to gardeners living in the Hiram community, generating modest rental revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community Inc operates a 120-acre organic farm in Hiram, Ohio that provides day services, vocational training, and therapeutic programs (art therapy, ceramics, weaving, woodworking, and animal care) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder. The organization supplements its mission through sales of farm produce, handmade crafts, and woodworking products via its Farm Stand and Farmhouse Gallery, and sustains operations via donations, grants, and community fundraising events.

Product overview

Hiram Farm Living and Learning Community is a nonprofit organization offering a diverse portfolio of programs and products for adults with developmental disabilities, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder. The core offerings include: (1) Agricultural operations producing organic vegetables, hydroponic greens, and seedlings via the Farm Stand; (2) Artisanal production through the Farmhouse Gallery selling handmade crafts, body products, and woodworking projects including the Franklin Furniture line; (3) Livestock and poultry programs raising chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, and therapy cows using sustainable practices; and (4) Therapeutic programs including art therapy, weaving, ceramics, and woodworking. These programs serve dual purposes: providing meaningful employment and skill-building for adults with disabilities while generating products sold through the Farm Stand, Farmhouse Gallery, and at local markets. The farm spans 120 acres of organic farmland in Hiram, Ohio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adult Day Services Program Structured day services program on a 120-acre organic farm providing meaningful work, skill development, social interaction, and therapeutic activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Program grew from 6 workers in 2009 to 31 participants by 2017.
• Farm Stand
• Farmhouse Gallery Year-round gallery at 11543 Garfield Rd. featuring handmade crafts, body products, ceramics, and woodworking projects created by farm participants. All proceeds go directly to the farmers.
• Franklin Furniture (Woodworking Line) Hand-made wooden outdoor furniture line including Adirondack chairs ($55 each), farm benches, foot stools ($20 each), and small side tables ($15), available in traditional and custom colors. Orders placed at Spring Sale or by contacting the farm.
• Art Therapy, Weaving, and Ceramics Program Therapeutic art program where participants create rugs, pot holders, craft projects, ceramic wind chimes, unique soaps and candles, paper mache items, tile coasters, and bees wax drip candles. Conducted in the farmhouse alongside Weaving Room.
• Hydro-Organic Growing System Produce Year-round greenhouse production of lettuce, basil, and cilantro using nutrient film hydroponic technique with no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Sold at Farm Stand, Miles Farm Market in Solon, and Hiram College.
• Pasture-Raised Livestock Program Pasture-raised chickens, eggs, lambs, and hogs produced using chicken tractor method and rotational grazing. Meat, eggs, and pre-order hogs/lambs available for purchase.
• Community Garden Plots Twelve small garden plots rented to gardeners in the Hiram community, generating modest rental revenue for the farm.

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants show significant growth in cognition, physical stamina, and emotional well-being through farm work
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Salvage WinerycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 May 2024Hosted 'Sip & Support Hiram Farm' event on June 20th, 2024 at Salvage Winery, Mantua OH 44255 from 5:00 PM to 8 PM. $45 per ticket includes two glasses of wine and appetizers. Raffle baskets available.
• Senorita BonitascoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 March 2024Hosted 'Fiesta for the Farm' fundraiser on April 27, 2025 at their Solon location from 1pm to 4pm. $35 ticket includes taco bar, soft drinks, water, desserts, and 50/50 raffles. Pre-Cinco de Mayo celebration.
• Outdoor Lighting PerspectivesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2023Event Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' annual gala (2023). Sponsorship includes logo on social media and 8 comp tickets. This is the organization's major annual fundraiser.
• Bell Tower Brewing CompanycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2023Hosted 'Brews and Moos' fundraiser event on March 10, 2024 from 3pm to 6pm at their Kent Ohio location. Ticket price $90 per person including 2 drink tickets, entertainment by James Douglas, and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
• The UPS Store – AuroraminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Fire Circle Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event. Contributed to annual major fundraiser.
• Fields of BloomsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Table Top Flower Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Mike and Lorena BlakeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Tent Sponsors for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• David and Jill ZiolkowskiminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Tent Sponsors for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Jack and Mary Ann WatsonminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Tent Sponsors for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Linda FerlitominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Bar Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Darlene Gall – IEN Risk ManagementminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Fire Circle Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Hall Green Agency, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Fire Circle Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• The McKinney FamilyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Fire Circle Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Forward MotionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2019Fire Circle Sponsor for 'A Night at Hiram Farm' 2019 event.
• Miles Farm Market (Solon)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Retail outlet in Solon where Hiram Farm sells hydroponic produce and seedlings, expanding distribution beyond the farm stand.
• Great Lakes GrowerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Donated plastic hydroponic trays for the hydro-organic system and provided guidance on the hydroponic project. Key infrastructure partner for year-round growing.
• Hiram College Center for Engaged EthicsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2013Hosted Dr. Candace Jeavons Wilkinson (UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment) as a guest. Hiram College and Hiram Farm are exploring future collaboration with UCLA CART.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Camphill Village USA: Intentional community in Copake, NY where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live and work alongside volunteers on a biodynamic farm. Most directly analogous to Hiram Farm's model of combining organic farm work, crafts, and community-based services for the same population.
• Sweetwater Spectrum: Sonoma, CA nonprofit that provides farm-based supported living and day programs specifically for adults with autism. Shares Hiram Farm's autism focus, farm-based vocational programming, and mission of meaningful, dignified work.
• Autistry Studios: San Rafael, CA expressive arts and vocational day program for teens and adults with autism and neurodiversity, combining art, theater, woodworking, and work-readiness training. Closely comparable to Hiram Farm's blend of art therapy, woodworking, ceramics, and farm-based work.

Broad incumbents

• L'Arche USA: Federation of residential communities across the United States where adults with intellectual disabilities live and work alongside caregivers. Several L'Arche houses operate small farm/workshop enterprises serving a comparable population and mission to Hiram Farm's program.
• The Center for Discovery: Large New York-based nonprofit serving children and adults with complex disabilities, including a CSA and farm-based programs on its Harris campus. Similar operating model of combining clinical/disability services with small-scale sustainable agriculture and farm-based employment.
• The Arc of the United States: National advocacy and services organization with state/local chapters (including Arc of Portage County in Hiram Farm's home market) that provide day programs, employment services, and community living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Represents the broader institutional layer in which Hiram Farm operates.
• Goodwill Industries International: Largest U.S. nonprofit operator of employment and training programs for people with disabilities, including agricultural social enterprises at multiple locations. Competes for similar funding streams (Medicaid waivers, vocational rehabilitation contracts) and donor dollars as Hiram Farm.

Regional players

• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provider network: Ohio's state vocational rehabilitation agency and its contracted provider network deliver day and employment services to adults with disabilities throughout the state, including Northeast Ohio. Functions as both a referral source and a competitor for Hiram Farm's participants and funding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hiram-farm-living-learning-community-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HIRAM FARM LIVING & LEARNING COMMUNITY INC