Relaunch of Cultivating Dreams Farm
Community Based Services (CBS), celebrated 40 years of serving people with disabilities in the Hudson Valley and Taconic regions. The nonprofit parent organization of Cultivating Dreams celebrated its 40th anniversary
with the relaunch of Cultivating Dreams Farm on August 26. Over 100 people registered for the event, which showcased the completion of new recreational learning spaces.
The event kicked off with the planting of a King Crimson Maple tree, donated by Hardscrabble
Farms in North Salem, to commemorate the 40th anniversary and the founder of CBS, Kevin
McCarthy.
“Kevin McCarthy taught me that what can be conceived can be created,” said CEO Vicki Sylvester
during her speech. She recounted the fact that at its beginning in 1981, CBS served eight people in
Pound Ridge, NY. Today CBS serves over 500 people in Dutchess, Westchester, and Putnam
Counties. With its accessible greenhouses and barn, Cultivating Dreams follows the mission of
McCarthy to remove barriers for people with disabilities.
"This is a place for all people of all abilities to come and enjoy the beautiful environment, to feel welcomed and loved for many more years to come."
CEO Vicki Sylvester
CBS Celebrated 40 Years with Family Friendly Activities
CBS celebrated 40 years with family friendly activities and events, and the opportunity for visitors to
meander and explore all that Cultivating Dreams farm has to offer. In addition to group tours of the facilities and programs, visitors enjoyed a bouncy house, face painting, sensory table, and seed planting. They explored the gardens and greenhouse, built for horticultural and vocational programs, and participated in therapeutic arts in the renovated barn. The newly constructed basketball and bocce courts were available for games. Popcorn, snow cones, an ice cream truck and freshly grilled burgers satisfied appetites.
Entertainment and community vendors rounded out the planned activities for a fun filled day.
For instance, BluePath autism service dogs interacted with visitors and the Dutchess SPCA was on hand to help
people explore pet adoption. Then Deputy Hill of the Putnam Sheriff’s Office brought Flash, a
bloodhound in the K9 unit for a lively interactive demonstration. In addition, music by guitarist Brian Dallas
Fields, his dog Buck, and his therapy animals were enjoyed by people of all ages. CBS’s social
enterprise, Good Reasons Dog Treats offered free samples and healthy dog snacks for sale. CBS’s
supported employment program sold produce grown at the farm.
About Cultivating Dreams
Cultivating Dreams provides a holistic farm-to-table learning experience for people with autism and developmental disabilities, emphasizing a strong connection to the environment through agricultural work, as well as the joy of preparing nutritious meals using the harvest. There is a need for opportunities for people with disabilities, who often thrive in a natural and serene setting, for vocational and life skills development as well as athletic activities and community inclusion. The programs at Cultivating Dreams are designed to meet this need. In addition to activities on our recreational farm, our participants are empowered in their volunteer work with Dutchess Outreach, Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank of Hudson Valley, as well as local senior centers and churches.
