A Skill-Building Program Rooted in the Farm
Building Skills in a Supportive Farm Community
AACORN runs a farm based skill-building program for adults with intellectual and developmental differences on a 40-acre property in Kalamazoo County. The program is built around meaningful routines — animal care, gardening, cooking, creative projects, and community outings — that give participants a reason to show up and a structure they can count on.
The emphasis is on process rather than product. Staff work alongside participants every day, helping each person build skills at their own pace. AACORN’s quiet rural setting, predictable routines, and hands-on activities create opportunities for participants to learn, contribute, and connect in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful.
Over time, the predictable rhythms of farm life and the steady presence of staff and peers help participants grow more confident, more connected, and more capable. New experiences become familiar, skills develop, and relationships grow. For many participants, AACORN becomes a place where they feel valued, connected, and part of a community.
What sets AACORN apart is the setting itself. Animals need care, gardens need tending, and the seasons bring new opportunities and responsibilities. The farm provides a natural rhythm and a sense of purpose that participants can feel. It is not busywork. The tasks are real, they are needed, and the people doing them know it.
The best way to learn about AACORN is to visit the farm. Come meet the people and animals who make this community special and see the program in action.
Is AACORN Right for You?
AACORN serves adults with intellectual and developmental differences who are no longer in the school system and are looking for meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect in a supportive community. Participants benefit from small groups sharing a calm, structured environment where they can build skills, develop relationships, and engage in purposeful daily activities.
The farm’s quiet rural setting offers an alternative to larger, busier environments. Participants are able to spread out and engage at their own pace. There is no pressure to perform — only steady encouragement to try, to practice, and to grow.
Program Details
Enrollment decisions are made individually, and availability can vary throughout the week. We encourage prospective participants and those who support them to schedule a visit to learn more about current openings and explore whether AACORN is the right fit.
A Day at AACORN
Animal Care
Feeding, grooming, and daily care for the animals that make the farm home.
Gardening & Growing
Planting, tending, and harvesting in the gardens at a pace that fits each person.
Crafts & Activities
Cooking, crafts, and creative projects in the Dr. Liz Farner Activities Building.
No two days at AACORN are exactly alike, but each day includes opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect. Participants care for animals, tend gardens, prepare meals, create crafts, make goat milk soap, enjoy community outings, and work alongside staff and peers in meaningful ways.
Activities are designed to meet participants where they are. Whether someone is trying a new task for the first time or building on existing skills, AACORN provides encouragement, support, and opportunities to grow at a comfortable pace while building confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
What Families Tell Us
Families often tell us they notice changes they did not expect. Participants become more comfortable trying new activities, more confident in unfamiliar situations, and more connected to the people around them. Friendships develop naturally through shared experiences, daily routines, and meaningful work on the farm.
Many families also speak about the unique role animals play in the AACORN experience. Animals offer companionship, acceptance, and opportunities for connection that do not depend on words. Through caring for animals, participants build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of purpose while forming bonds that are meaningful and lasting.
“Yeah, me do have a job. I milk goats. Feed goats.” – Clarise. AACORN has given Clarise a place where she feels needed, connected, and proud of what she contributes each day.
– Gwen Bagley, niece of Clarise
When Michael spent six weeks in the ICU recovering from a life-threatening illness, AACORN staff and participants visited him regularly, bringing encouragement and friendship. Their support reminded our family that AACORN is more than a program; it is a community that truly cares for one another.
– David Joque, parent
“It’s Tuesday, AACORN day, my favorite day of the week!” – Kaylyn. For our family, AACORN has provided more than activities. It has given Kaylyn friendships, connection, and something she genuinely looks forward to every week.
– Kristen Earl, parent
If your family has a story to share, we would love to hear it. Hearing from other families is often what helps someone decide to visit.
Start the Process – Schedule a Visit
The first step is always a visit. We encourage prospective participants and those who support them to tour the farm, meet the staff, and experience the program in person before completing an application.
During your visit, we’ll learn more about your interests, goals, and support needs while answering any questions you may have. If AACORN feels like a good fit, we’ll guide you through the application process and discuss current enrollment opportunities.
AACORN is located at 6409 S. 34th Street, conveniently located between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.
To visit, fill out the schedule-a-visit form below and a member of the AACORN team will follow-up.
Schedule a Visit to the Farm
Fill out the form below and someone from the AACORN team will get back to you within 5 working days to set up your visit.
Apply to the Program
After your visit, if you’d like to move forward, we’ll provide you with an application and guide you through the enrollment process. We’ll answer any questions you have and work with you to determine the schedule that best meets your needs.
Apply to the AACORN Program
Complete the application below. It is a multi-step form (11 pages) — you can save your progress and return later. A staff member will follow up after we receive your submission.
Common Questions from Families
The program runs five days a week (M-F), 9am to 3pm with morning and afternoon sessions.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors and grant partners, AACORN’s year-round programs are tuition-free. If you have questions about eligibility or enrollment, we’re happy to help.
While AACORN does not provide transportation, families have options. Participants typically travel with family members or caregivers, or use Metro Connect if they live in Kalamazoo County. AACORN has helped supplement the cost of Metro Connect passes when needed.
That is completely fine. Activities start at each person’s comfort level and build from there. Many current participants had no farm experience before they joined AACORN.
AACORN’s Activities Building provides indoor space for cooking, crafts, sewing, and other projects, allowing programming to continue year-round. While the farm doesn’t shut down when it rains, participant safety is always our priority. During severe winter weather, AACORN generally follows the closure recommendations of Portage Public Schools and Kalamazoo Public Schools, and families are notified promptly of any changes.
Families receive a weekly newsletter with highlights from the week and updates about what’s happening at AACORN. If additional communication is needed, please contact the Program Manager.
The best way is to visit! Every enrollment process begins with a visit to the farm. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our staff, experience the program in action, ask questions, and learn whether AACORN is the right fit before moving forward with an application.
After your visit, if you’d like to move forward, we’ll provide you with an application and guide you through the enrollment process. We’ll answer any questions you have and work with you to determine the schedule that best meets your needs.