Special Hearts Farm Helps Adults with Disabilities Overcome Difficult Days

This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) as Orange County celebrates National Community Development Week, April 6–10.

Michael Woolhouse shares a special bond with Claribel, a seven-year-old miniature zebu.

The cow is normally timid around people, but whenever Michael extends his hand and calls her name, she trots over, lowers her head and welcomes his gentle touch.

The friendship between Michael and Claribel is a powerful example of why Special Hearts Farm exists.

“When Michael’s having a difficult day, he’ll sit with that cow and have a conversation, and he instantly calms down,” said Kathy Meena, president and cofounder of Special Hearts Farm. “It highlights the human-to-animal bond — it’s almost therapeutic.”

Located in Winter Garden, Special Hearts Farm serves individuals with disabilities through adult day training, supported employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities related to farming and gardening. The nonprofit's mission is to promote health, happiness and opportunity for its participants, known as farmers.

While the pigs, donkeys, chickens, cows and goats on the farm provide meaningful interaction and emotional support, the organization’s leaders recognized an additional need for mental health support.

With funding assistance from Orange County through the federal Community Development Block Grant program, Special Hearts Farm was able to expand its services and hire a mental health professional to better support its farmers.

During the current fiscal year, Orange County allocated $3.5 million in CDBG funding across 20 nonprofit organizations supporting public services, capital improvement projects, housing rehabilitation efforts and homeless services. This is the first time Special Hearts Farm has received CDBG funding.

"With our special needs population, there's also the mental health aspect that a lot of people don't understand," said Meena. "A lot of our farmers desperately need this mental health support. We are very blessed to receive this funding, and we are so thankful for Orange County."

Special Hearts was founded by Meena and Jennifer Elliott after they recognized a gap in services for individuals with disabilities once they age out of the school system. Without structured opportunities for daily engagement and employment, many adults with disabilities face limited options for independence and personal growth.

At Special Hearts Farm, participants play an active role in caring for animals, tending gardens and completing a variety of farm-related tasks. Farmers are paid for their work, and responsibilities rotate weekly, providing opportunities to learn new skills and build confidence.

"This is one of those jobs they look forward to when they wake up in the morning," said cofounder Jennifer Elliott. "You can see it on the farmers' faces as soon as they get out of the car-they're excited to do their jobs."

On a recent afternoon, that excitement was evident as Michael stood beside Claribel in a wide, open field.

Claribel helps Michael through difficult days — and in return, he helps her feel safe and comfortable.

"I make sure she feels at home," said Michael. "She's a really good cow."