About Us
Cultivating Lives of Value, Respect & Possibility
Safe Haven Farms is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located on 60 acres in Madison Township, Butler County, Ohio. It was founded by a group of local parents in response to the lack of residential and vocational services for adults with developmental disabilities.
OUR MISSION
Safe Haven Farms is a nonprofit organization offering residential, day and community services in a farm setting for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. We provide meaningful living, working, learning and leisure activities in a safe and accepting environment where every individual is respected as a valued and contributing community member.
What We've Achieved
- Acquired a 60 acre property near Middletown, Ohio.
- Provided housing for sixteen adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in a setting with abundant access to nature, room to roam safely, and easy access to a wide range of day activities.
- With the generous support of the Hatton Foundation, built the Hatton Center to support indoor activities year-round, and especially in the winter.
- Equipped the Hatton Center with an arts & crafts room, a sensory room, a learning center and more.
- Partnered with ViaQuest Solutions for Independence to operate the farm and a day program capable of serving up to 35 adults per day with developmental disabilities.
- Launched a therapeutic equestrian program serving children and adults.
- Installed a 95 kW PV-DC Solar Array which annually provides 38% of our energy costs.
Our History
Safe Haven Farms was founded in 2007 by a group of local parents in response to the lack of residential and vocational services for adults with autism. They visited the few existing farmsteads in other parts of the country to gain first-hand experience and advice from groups who have been successful with the farming model.
The first farm model for adults with autism was established at Somerset Court in England in 1974. Since that time, several farm communities have been established in the United States. Bittersweet Farms near Toledo, Ohio was the first of its kind in the US, and Bittersweet was instrumental in mentoring the founders toward establishment of Safe Haven Farms.
Safe Haven Farms was established as a non-profit organization in 2007, and in 2009 purchased the nearly 60 acre parcel near Middletown, Ohio. Construction of the residences completed in 2010, and the Hatton Center opened in early 2011. 2012 and 2013 saw a major renovation of the barn to include an indoor riding arena, along with a nearby outdoor arena.
Safe Haven Farms has been blessed by the generosity of hundreds of donors, grants from several foundations, thousands of hours provided by volunteers and a dedicated group of parents who continue their commitment to the farm through their gifts, their service and their support.
