AACORN Community

About this Nominee

AACORN stands for Adult Agricultural Community Options for Residential Needs. We provide a unique farm-based skill building program for adults with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) who have aged out of school. AACORN participants enjoy the therapeutic effects of engaging with animals and the rural environment while being supported in an inclusive community.
Founded in 2011, by a group of parents who recognized the limited programming and residential options for their own children with IDD, AACORN gained its nonprofit status in 2013. During the early years, AACORN rented space and land from partners in Kalamazoo County. In 2018 AACORN purchased 40 acres to call their own! Now a working farm with goats, chickens, pigs, ducks and more, we are able to utilize our property to grow hay and straw for our herd and also grow produce in our vegetable garden. A large activities building was constructed in 2020 and is the indoor hub to our program. Our famous goat milk soap and other products are created in our activities building all by the hands of the participants who attend AACORN.
In our future we envision having residential options for individuals with IDD on our existing property. We welcome new participants, volunteers and financial support. Learn more by visiting our website or checking us out on Facebook.