“What are the two rules at the farm? Have fun and be safe!” says Chelsea O’Brien, founder of Clarkston Family Farm (CFF), a non-profit educational farm for learners of all ages and abilities. Genisys Credit Union is supporting their rules by donating $25,000 to their Pathways to Possibilities project, which expands accessibility throughout the farm.
Pathways to Possibilities focuses on creating ADA-accessible walkways to support inclusive community programming for learners regardless of age, ability, or income.
“Our support to Clarkston Family Farm’s Pathways to Possibilities project reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility within our communities,” said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “By supporting their vision, we are expanding the farm as a welcoming space where community members of all abilities can connect, learn, and grow together.”
Pathways to Possibilities is a three-phase project that will create walkable paths to ensure safe and seamless access to key areas of the farm. Phase One, funded in partnership with the credit union, included the creation of:
- A 160 ft x 5 ft concrete pathway, serving as the main entry for farm events and school trips
- A 5 ft x 100 ft interactive accessible garden pathway, providing safe and dignified access
- A 5ft wide brick pathway, connecting the Outdoor Cooking Lab, Teaching Pavilion, and Grazing Pasture
The new pathways ensure ADA compliance for learners with disabilities while enhancing the safety for young children, senior visitors, and families with strollers. J&J Decorative Concrete of Clarkston, a longtime supporter of CFF, is leading the construction of the project.
“We work hard to make the farm the best it can be and are happy to donate time, labor, and materials when we can,” said Anthony Jasso of J&J Decorative Concrete. “If even one child is helped by the farm, we feel it is worth it.”
CFF is not only helping one child, but entire families. The Richey Family - Jon, Becky, and their children, Hannah and Jacob - highlight the important role CFF has played in their lives:
“Clarkston Family Farm is such a beautiful and important part of our community,” said Jon and Becky. Their son, Jacob, has autism and has been a volunteer at CFF since 2020. “Volunteering four afternoons a week with Todd Jacobs [of MORC/Easter Seals], provides Jacob with valuable vocational skills training and a sense of purpose and belonging…Chelsea and her team do a beautiful job welcoming and celebrating all abilities at the farm…Pathways to Possibilities removes [accessibility] barriers and allows even further access for more to enjoy the farm.”
“The farm is near and dear to my heart,” said Hannah Richey. “The Clarkston Family Farm not only means so much to my family…I have several friends who are in a wheelchair and need handicap accessible walkways.”
Clarkston Family Farm was founded in 2017 by O’Brien and sits on property owned by Clarkston Community Schools at 6800 Hubbard Rd. For nearly seven years, she has transformed the property into a place of community - creating a space for learners of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect with each other and nature, learning the importance of sustainability, farm to table practices, and more.
“The improvements to the farm under Chelsea’s tenure have been incredible. The farm has truly become a community farm. The summer and fall camps are packed weekly with students of all ages and abilities,” commented Todd Jacobs of MORC/Easter Seals. “Chelsea is building the community farm more and more every year; the sky is the limit with the potential of what it could become.”
“I’m so proud of the impact we’ve had in the community,” said O’Brien. “What we have built here is a legacy, and we want to see it continue to thrive over time.”
With Phase One now complete, Genisys and CFF are looking ahead to opportunities that continue to grow an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space for all.
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