What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a concept in which neurological differences are recognized and as respected as any other human variation. These differences can include those identified with Autism, Asperger, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, and Others.
150+
served Annually
Including neurodivergent apprentices, mentors and job coaches, special education professionals and students, partner organizations, community volunteers, Loudoun County youth non-profit and school organizations.
35+
jobs created per year
We provide educational training, garden & entrepreneurial apprenticeships, staff roles, and outplacement support to neurodivergent individuals. We are a neurodiverse team working together side-by-side to deliver floral products to market.
12
Years in community
A longstanding member of the local community, Legacy Farms has been recognized by the Town of Leesburg as setting “a commendable example for others to reinforce the value & talent that people with disabilities add to our workplaces & the community as a whole.”
“Look at all the apprenticeships Legacy Farms is providing for these young neurodivergent individuals during this summer growing season. They are growing everything, partnering in community and marketing themselves. Please support this incredible organization.”
What’s Up Right Now!
Here are a few ways you can support this mission:
— Sign up for a Flower Bouquet subscription: Legacy Blooms weekly bouquets!
— Attend a Garden Tour at Temple Hall.
— Sponsor an Apprentice! Donate in support of our mission!
— Donate needed supplies through this parent-organized Amazon Wish List.
— Sign-up for our newsletter below to stay up-to-date!
Legacy Farms
provides apprenticeship-style learning and jobs in a neurodiverse community of individuals learning a trade, preparing for college, and seeking internships to further their education.
We empower neurodivergent individuals to learn about themselves as workers who make effective, unique, and creative contributions. We are a place to grow, not just in the garden but also in related industries that bring local specialty cut flowers, herbs, and veggies to business and home tables!
“This summer our son was hired to write a blog for Legacy Farms. He calls it, The Green Thumb.
We couldn't have asked for a better experience for his first job. He comes home after each day confident and full of energy ready to write his next blog post.
His articles are informative and witty. They have made me laugh and cry…I hope his articles get you thinking about gardening or helping out Legacy Farms in their mission to provide apprenticeships for our neurodiverse community.”
Our Programs
From gardening to product design to farmers market sales, blogging, photography and graphic design, we offer a range of training opportunities with an entrepreneurial emphasis. We strive to welcome, inspire, and challenge our neurodivergent apprentices as they develop their self-awareness, organization, social interaction and job skills.
GROWING TOGETHER Garden Program
Growing Together is our foundational flowers-to-table apprenticeship program that also includes entrepreneurial opportunities. We offer job training, and paid and volunteer positions for neurodivergent individuals.
Legacy Giving Back
We give back to the community by providing education, inclusion projects, and donations of produce and landscaping services. Our neurodivergent apprentices make a difference in community.
Legacy Blooms CSA
Have you dreamed of having fresh, local flowers on your table each week, while also supporting local farming, sustainable growth, AND neurodiversity? This is your chance! !
Legacy Blooms wholesale & Events
We work with select florist and event clients to provide local specialty cut flowers. Sales fund our nonprofit and increase entrepreneurial and staff roles for our neurodiverse team.
“Legacy Farms has provided our son, Colby with many opportunities for growth. He has learned to be more independent while making a daily task list and is responsible for completing it. Many skills that are necessary for the workplace have been taught. He knows it is important to be on time as he clocks in and out each shift.
The mentors have worked on the importance of following directions, taking initiative and interacting positively with others. All of the apprentices are taught decision making, goal setting and problem solving skills.
Colby has learned the appropriate use of garden tools when planting, watering, weeding and harvesting. Most importantly, Colby loves going to Legacy Farms where he is treated with respect and kindness and is always challenged to become a better worker.”
Get Involved.
Employment rates for autistic adults “are abysmal in both absolute and relative terms— they’re lower than those for just about any other disability type studied. Drexel’s Autism Institute found that 58 percent of young adults on the spectrum worked at some point in the years after high school, compared with 74 percent of those with an intellectual disability and 91 percent of those with an emotional disturbance.” — Sarah Carr, The Tricky Path to Employment is Trickier When You’re Autistic (Slate Business Moneybox, 09/2017)
Make a Donation
Your donations allow us to build effective programming, hire neurodiverse apprentices and their mentors.
GET A Bouquet subscription
Your bouquet purchase funds our garden infrastructure and create sjobs. Purchase now & receive a weekly/monthy delivery when they bloom!
Volunteer or Mentor
Volunteer in our garden or learn about our mentoring program. Either way, you’ll work alongside our apprentice team.