Mission
To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities through educational, social, vocational and residential opportunities in rural and community-based settings.
Blue Ridge Community Farm is a working farm for people with disabilities encompassing 245 acres located in northern Peoria County, just outside of Chillicothe. We offer educational field trips for people with disabilities of all ages which include music, crafts, hay rack rides and educational opportunities focused on agriculture, horticulture and animal care. We also offer social events for adults with disabilities including an annual square dance, cookouts and bonfire sing-a-longs. All of these opportunities are free of charge.
The farm is home to ten alpacas, four donkeys, a horse, chickens and two golden retrievers. Our season runs from the beginning of May through the end of October, with over 1,500 individuals with disabilities from more than 50 different organizations/schools visiting each year.
2021 will feature an expansion into employment and training opportunities for adults with disabilities with the purchase of Picket Fence, a full-service floral, gift and garden center in the town of Chillicothe. This life-changing project also includes expanding the current gift shop to feature products made by children and adults with disabilities from not only our region, but from around the country.
How to Help
Volunteer: We have many volunteer opportunities on the farm! After volunteering, you are welcome to hike our trails (over 2.5 miles) and picnic or camp at one of our campsites. If you are a…
- Boy Scout or Girl Scout
- Future Eagle Scout looking for a project
- Member of a service/civic organization
- Member of a church group
- Business looking for team-building opportunities
- High school or college student seeking service hours, or
- Someone who just would like to volunteer, make a difference in our community, and get to know some amazing individuals…
We need you! Please send your contact information to [email protected].
Donate: We welcome and very much appreciate donations. Additional information can be found at blueridgecommunityfarm.org/donate.
Blue Ridge Community Farm
21529 N. Blue Ridge Road
Chillicothe, IL 61523
(309) 249-2499
blueridgecommunityfarm.org
[email protected]
Facebook: @BlueRidgeCommunityFarm
Instagram: @BlueRidgeCommunityFarm
