Common Roots Farm

Overview

Common Roots Farm is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and sustainability through farming and community engagement. Located in Santa Cruz, California, the organization operates on a roughly four-acre urban organic farm.

Mission and Activities

Common Roots Farm connects individuals with diverse abilities, focusing on growing nutritious food and building meaningful relationships. The farm offers a variety of programs, including:

• Horticulture and Farm Skills Training: Provides training in agriculture practices, enabling participants to develop valuable skills.
• Internships for People with Developmental Disabilities: Offers opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to engage in farm work and gain experience.
• Environmental and Gardening Education: Educates participants about sustainable farming methods and environmental stewardship.
• Micro-enterprise Opportunities: Supports individuals in developing their own small businesses related to agriculture.

Community Engagement

The organization emphasizes community integration by hosting farm-based social events. This fosters connections between people with and without disabilities, promoting a sense of inclusivity and mutual support.

Financial Information

As of the latest available data, Common Roots Farm reported significant contributions to its revenue, with a majority coming from charitable donations.

Regenerative Practices

Common Roots Farm employs organic farming practices to enhance local food security. They operate a farm stand and participate in community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs and farmers' markets, ensuring fresh produce reaches the local community.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

The farm prioritizes physical accessibility, accommodating individuals with mobility aids and sensory integration challenges to ensure everyone can participate in farm activities.

Notable Focus Areas

• Food Security: Enhances local food security through fresh produce sales and donations.
• Job and Vocational Training: Classified under the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) as providing employment and job-related vocational training.

[1] https://commonrootsfarm.org/what-we-do [2] https://commonrootsfarm.org [3] https://www.commonroots.org/about [4] https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/common-roots-farm/ [5] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/471590387