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Jessica Zander was honored with a Community Champion award during the 9th annual event on October 2nd at RiverCrest Golf Club.

On October 2nd, during KenCrest’s 9th Annual Community Champions event at the RiverCrest Golf Club, Jessica Zander was honored as a Community Champion. Jessica is the owner of Helping Friendly Farm, a place dedicated to creating inclusive experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her unwavering commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and the community's well-being has impacted many families and individuals supported by KenCrest.

The partnership between KenCrest’s Birth to 5 program in Bucks County and Helping Friendly Farm began in March 2023, when Beth Pogach, Program Coordinator of Home and Community Birth to 5, first reached out to Jessica after seeing a post about her farm on social media. From that initial conversation, Jessica and Beth developed a meaningful collaboration focused on providing unique, accessible experiences for children and their families. Over the past few months, families from Birth to 5 have visited Helping Friendly Farm twice, with more visits planned. Each experience has left a lasting impression on families, many of whom now plan to return to the farm on their own, inspired by the joyful and welcoming environment Jessica has cultivated.

Helping Friendly Farm’s mission aligns closely with KenCrest’s own values of empowerment, exploration, and community inclusion. The farm’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through the healing power of animals, nature, and sensory exploration. At Helping Friendly Farm, everyone is welcome, and Jessica works diligently to make accommodations for each visitor’s unique needs. Her background in special education adds a layer of empathy and expertise, allowing her to create an environment that feels safe, inclusive, and supportive for all visitors.

When Beth first approached Jessica about hosting a community day for KenCrest families, Jessica’s enthusiasm was evident. However, the original pricing was a challenge for some families. Demonstrating her commitment to community support, Jessica worked with Beth to create an opportunity that would be accessible for everyone. She welcomed multiple groups of children and their families to the farm’s Open House at no cost, making it possible for all to participate in this enriching experience. Over the course of a single morning, three groups of eight to twelve children and their families visited the farm at different times, allowing each group the chance to fully explore without feeling crowded or overwhelmed.

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Edie Harrison accepting Jessica Zander's Community Champion award. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert

Jessica’s farm is thoughtfully designed with sensory-friendly spaces, including a sensory barn featuring an indoor play area, yoga space, and meditation room, ensuring that children can engage in activities at their own comfort level. Families had access to the entire farm, including a vegetable garden where children could sample fresh produce, and they also enjoyed spending time with animals like goats, chickens, donkeys, and pigs. For families with children who may feel overstimulated in larger, crowded environments, Jessica schedules small group visits to avoid overcrowding, creating a calming and welcoming atmosphere. Many of the families KenCrest serves are hesitant to attend large public events due to past experiences of feeling overwhelmed. At Helping Friendly Farm, they feel safe to explore at their own pace and enjoy the experience without having to explain their children’s differences. Jessica and her team are educated, empathetic, and dedicated to making every family feel seen and respected.

Jessica has successfully integrated her love for animals and gardening with her expertise in special education to create a one-of-a-kind and inclusive environment where every family member, including children with developmental disabilities, can feel at home. The Helping Friendly Farm nurtures positive interactions with nature, fostering a sense of belonging for families who may not always find accessible experiences in public spaces.

KenCrest is proud to recognize Jessica Zander as a Community Champion. Her compassion, dedication, and creativity have made Helping Friendly Farm a sanctuary for families and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature in an inclusive and supportive environment. Congratulations to Jessica for this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your commitment to making the world a more welcoming place for all.