I currently have a small garden, five cats, and a half dozen chickens, but I have a vision for so much more. I am a single mother of two children, ages 7 and 15.

We want a working farm that people can visit to form connections through labor, education, and socialization. I want to build a community here and bring a sense of belonging to children who need it. However, first, we need to lay a foundation. We need land to care for, and space to create a village. And we have a plan.

When I lived in South Carolina I was a social worker, and I saw how difficult it is to place older foster children. I promised myself one day I would take in foster kids of my own and look out for them during the most chaotic time of their lives. The adage says, “it takes a village…” but our villages are gone. Traditional community can be hard to come by, and my partner and I want to change that.

For the past two years we have researched what it would take to make our dreams reality and put small-scale plans into action. We composted, collected rainwater, and built a large coop and run for my chickens. We looked into sustainable farming, noting local farms and parks we would like to emulate, and met with a local rescue farm that takes in animals seized from abusive environments.

Our plans will be flexible depending upon the existing land and infrastructure, but our overall goals include a nonprofit agribusiness and event venue that combines sustainable farming, hospitality, and community outreach. We intend to have a large barn that serves as an event space for weddings and festivals, as well as themed cabins for guests. We have discussed having a small cafe featuring foods grown on the property, and space for artists to grow and experiment. I currently host paint-and-sip events at local businesses and homes, and we have acquired a kiln, as well as a large movie screen to showcase films by local students and amateurs.

This is our plan. Our life goal. Our retirement. I was blessed to find a man who shares my dream and wants to take on this challenge with me. It will take a village, but I think that’s exactly what this community needs.