Laura Sniff, co-founder with her husband Jim of Blue Ridge Community Farm (BRCF) and the Picket Fence Foundation, was the guest speaker at our October meeting. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits and support children and adults with disabilities in Central Illinois. At Blue Ridge Community Farm, they offer free field trips for special education and life-skills classes, giving students the chance to interact with farm animals, listen to music, do crafts, and learn about growing crops. They've hosted over 600 children and adults in the past two months!  BRCF also hosts a free concert series each fall — the last one of the season was attended by over 1200 people.

In August, 2021, Laura and Jim founded Picket Fence Foundation to employ adults with disabilities. Employees learn various jobs within the floral industry, including flower arranging and greenhouse work. Their gift shop features the Ability Marketplace, which has 40 vendors from all over the country and sells a variety of items, including soap, scrunchies, headbands, jams and jellies, greeting cards, and candles, all made by individuals with disabilities. They also offer pre-made and custom flower arrangements. A most popular one is the Grab & Grow made in a Oui yogurt jar, which they paint and then add a floral design; so if you eat Oui yogurt and don't know what to do with the jar once you're finished, consider donating it to Picket Fence Foundation. According to Laura, the people they serve are "angels among us and at Picket Fence all abilities are celebrated." 

Also visit the Lending Library at Picket Fence Foundation, donated by Chillicothe Circle of Service, which has a large number of books offering guidance and support for those interacting with special needs individuals. Thanks, Laura, for giving us a great insight into your non-profits and the people who work there!

Remember, we will not be selling nuts this year. Terri Lynn, supplier of our fundraising treats used to provide scholarships for IVC seniors, ceased operations earlier in the spring, and we were not notified. We are searching to find another quality supplier so we can sell again in 2026. Thanks for your past support.

For more information on Chillicothe Circle of Service, contact President Carol Solis, [email protected].