New Growth Project opens season with plant sale and farm store launch

9 articles · Updated · FOX 17 West Michigan News · May 7

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on 9 May in Courtland Township, Michigan, at the 21-acre farm near Rockford.
Founded in 2021, the project employs nearly 20 adults with cognitive disabilities, offering farm work tailored to varied abilities and helping build time management, confidence and practical skills.
Co-founders Christine O'Driscoll and Carly VanDuinen say the farm fills a local employment gap, with stronger-than-expected retention as workers seek long-term jobs and carry skills into home life.

This farm offers a blueprint for employing disabled adults. Can it be scaled to challenge a nationwide crisis?

How does this farm balance its mission of empowerment with the financial realities of running a competitive business?