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Community Based Services (CBS) is thrilled to announce that Cultivating Dreams Farm has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Growing the Future Intergenerational Garden Grant, generously funded by Miracle-Gro and KidsGardening.
This exciting award recognizes the impact of our Cultivating Dreams Intergenerational Learning Garden, an inclusive space where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, young adults, seniors, and community partners come together to learn, grow, and connect through gardening.
For years, our accessible teaching garden has served as a living classroom, offering hands-on experiences in horticulture, nutrition, environmental stewardship, and vocational skill development. Participants work side by side planting vegetables, maintaining pollinator habitats, harvesting crops, composting, and caring for the land. With wheelchair-accessible pathways, raised beds, and sensory garden features, the garden is designed to ensure that people of all abilities can actively participate.
The grant funding will help CBS expand the garden’s accessibility and sustainability through important improvements, including:
- Additional wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds
- Expanded drip irrigation systems to conserve water and reduce physical strain
- Soil enhancements and garden bed repairs
- Improved educational signage and learning stations
These enhancements come at a pivotal time. Beginning in June 2026, students from Pine Plains Central School District and Rhinebeck Central School District will join garden participants for weekly and biweekly intergenerational learning sessions. Together, youth and older adults will share knowledge, build relationships, and foster a stronger sense of community through meaningful outdoor experiences.
The project is further strengthened by partnerships with organizations such as Hudson Valley InterArts, which brings creative, sensory-based programming into the garden, helping participants engage with nature through art and exploration.
Help Us Complete the Vision
While this grant provides critical support, additional funding is needed to fully complete the next phase of our garden expansion.
CBS is currently seeking $1,500 in community support to fund:
- Additional raised-bed construction
- Extended drip irrigation lines
- Adaptive gardening tools
- Durable seating for outdoor learning and gathering spaces
Every contribution will help create a more accessible, welcoming, and educational environment for participants of all ages and abilities.
Make a donation today and help us raise the final $1,500 needed to bring this vision to life. Together, we can grow a garden that nurtures learning, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.
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