Inclusivity for people with disabilities is more than just a one time project
Imagine a place where everyone feels welcome, where differences are celebrated, disabilities aren’t an obstacle and where the joy of gardening blossoms alongside the flowers. This is the vision behind the Inclusive Farm, a unique initiative that transforms lives and fosters a more inclusive community. People with disabilities often need more help with developing skills and independence. That’s why the Association of People with Disabilities of Sisak-Moslavina County (Udruga osoba s invaliditetom Sisačko-moslavačke županije) is putting an effort to help over 30 people and children with disabilities. With 15 volunteers and 20 high schoolers helping them, they’ve managed to organise over 300 workshops. The association, founded in 2003, is an independent, voluntary, non-partisan and non-profit organization with a high-quality and professional team consisting of occupational and sensory therapists and other professionals, alongside a network of registered volunteers.
The Inclusive Farm started as a project in 2020 with the aim of creating a wonderful place where people with developmental disabilities can learn, in various ways, useful life skills such as growing vegetables and herbs, cooking and crafting. The idea of the project is to create a self-sustainable place where people with disabilities and/or developmental disabilities will be able to work independently and self-sustainably to produce agricultural products. This project takes a holistic approach, recognizing that real change is only possible through collaborative efforts.
The family members of people with disabilities are actively involved and find a supportive community and resources to overcome the challenges they face. The Inclusive Farm has had a significant impact on the development of new social services in the community. The association conducts food processing workshops for its users on the premises of the Little House in Petrinja as part of the household workshop, as well as an integrated training program for the cultivation, processing and preparation of vegetables and aromatic plants on the farm.
Our long-term commitment
CROZ has been committed to the farm in recent years. Forget fancy galas and charity balls, CROZ is taking a different approach to giving back. After the donations for the inclusion farm, we decided to get our hands dirty. CROZ has become a familiar face at the farm, volunteering their time alongside staff and other helpers. From building benches to conquering weeds, their dedication makes the farm a more welcoming space for everyone.
Last time, our crew at the farm helped with renovations, building a new composter, digging garden benches and canal, weeding and the good company of the farm volunteers made the humanitarian effort a lovely experience that we looked forward to repeating. This year was no different – amazing people came together and helped weed the farm and around Mala Kuća in Petrinja, they cleaned the garage and renewed 3 planting beds in the garden.
This is not our first rodeo – we are committed to working on our sustainability goals as well as involvement in the local community. We believe that the “good company” isn’t just a happy accident, but that a social connection is a crucial corner stone of inclusion.
The Inclusive Farm is more than just a place for rehabilitation. It is a vibrant community hub where people with disabilities, their families and the wider community come together to promote inclusion. Visit the official website for more information.
