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HOMESTEADS FOR HOPE INC
ROCHESTER, NY · EIN 462731613 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE L22 · Housing & Shelter · Medium ($1M-$10M) · homesteadsforhope.org
revenue
$1.2M
expenses
$1.2M
net assets
$1.8M
employees
22
volunteers
215
program ratio
64%
mission · from form 990

INCLUSIVE SUPPORT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH INCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES IN NATURES CLASSROOM, OFFERING EDUCATIONAL, VOCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.

profile · synthesized from sources

Homesteads for Hope Inc operates a community farm in Rochester, NY, providing inclusive agricultural, educational, and vocational programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization offers tiered memberships, hands-on farming activities, and social engagement opportunities through clubs, classes, and events. It also runs a farm store and café, supports apprenticeships, and hosts community gatherings to foster connection and skill development in a nature-based setting.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $214K
    HOMESTEADS MEMBERSHIP: SOCIAL, GARDEN & CSA: THE FARM OFFERS A 3 TEIR PAID MEMEBERSHIP PLATFORM INCLUDING OUR BASE SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP, OFFERING DAILY FARM ACCESS FOR FISHING, KAYAKING, AND PICNICKING. PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY GATHERINGS, CLUBS, CLASSES, AND EVENTS. THE GARDEN MEMBERSHIP ADDS UNLIMITED ACCESS TO OUR COMMUNITY GARDEN CO-OP FOR HANDS-ON GARDENING, FRESH PRODUCE, AND SPECIAL CLASSES. THE CSA FOOD SHARE MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES 20 WEEKS OF LOCAL, ORGANICALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, HERBS, AND FLOWERS, WITH PICKUPS AT OUR FARM OR DOWNTOWN LOCATIONS.
  2. #2 $28K
    FARM STORE: TUCKED RIGHT IN THE HEART OF HOMESTEADS FOR HOPE, OUR CHARMING LITTLE FARM STORE IS BURSTING WITH FRESH-PICKED FLAVOR, HANDMADE TREASURES, AND THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY. THE STORE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND SERVES THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING FOR JUST-HARVESTED VEGGIES, ONE-OF-A-KIND ARTISAN GOODS, OR LOCALLY CRAFTED GROCERY STAPLES, YOU'LL FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL HEREALL MADE OR GROWN WITH LOVE BY OUR APPRENTICES, VOLUNTEERS, AND NEIGHBORS. EVERY PURCHASE SUPPORTS INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES THAT HELP OUR COMMUNITY GROW STRONG.
named programs · 5 · from sources

What they call their work

Care Farmer Training Program
Innovative training initiative to develop skills in sustainable agriculture and farm-based care practices, fostering inclusive employment in farming.
Farm Store & Café
On-site store and café selling fresh produce, artisan goods, baked items, drinks, and branded merchandise, providing vocational training and employment opportunities for program participants.
Homesteads Membership: Social, Garden & CSA
Three-tiered paid membership program offering daily farm access for recreation, community gardening, and 20-week CSA food shares with weekly produce pickups at the farm or downtown locations.
Ready! Set! Work! Apprenticeship Program
Vocational training program that engages student apprentices in farming, retail, and hospitality operations, with some transitioning to competitive employment.
Thursdays at the Farm
Weekly member-exclusive event offering social, educational, and recreational activities on the farm, attracting over 200 guests weekly.
activities · 12 groups

What they do

  • Campus Construction and Renovation Projects 1 activity
    • Conduct farm infrastructure and facility development
      Engages in ongoing maintenance and development of farm grounds, buildings, and infrastructure, including the completion of The Forever Homestead Community Center (6,500 sq ft) in 2023, barn renovations, paving, and construction projects to support safe and functional operations.
  • Youth and Family Cooking Education 1 activity
    • Deliver educational field trips and youth programming
      Provides Field Trip Fridays for educational farm experiences and youth-focused programs such as Farm Explorers and Hope Crew to support peer socialization and learning in inclusive farm settings.
  • Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
    • Deliver hands-on educational classes and skill-building workshops
      Offers free and paid community classes in gardening, cooking, woodworking, floral design, art, and homesteading for individuals aged 13 and older, including semester and year-long work-based learning experiences for students with disabilities in partnership with school districts. Programs include rotating placements in farm operations, animal care, culinary, and facilities maintenance.
  • Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Support 1 activity
    • Facilitate volunteer engagement and corporate volunteer programs
      Offers public volunteering opportunities Monday through Friday and hosts corporate volunteer events every Wednesday for teams up to 10 people, supporting farm operations and community-building activities.
  • Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
    • Host inclusive community events and public programming
      Hosts weekly and seasonal community events including live music, pony rides, fishing derbies, Easter egg hunts, an annual BBQ, and Thursday Nights at the Farm, featuring local vendors, musicians, educators, and food trucks to promote inclusion and community engagement.
  • Community-Based Urban Agriculture 1 activity
    • Operate CSA Food Share and farm membership programs
      Runs a CSA Food Share program launched in 2020 that serves over 200 families, and offers a three-tier paid membership program providing access to social events, community gardening, and a 20-week seasonal produce share with pickup options at the farm or downtown locations.
  • Local Food Market Operation 1 activity
    • Operate farm store, café, and on-site retail enterprises
      Operates The Farm Store, The Harvest Pizza & Grill, and a café that sell fresh produce, artisan goods, baked goods, drinks, and branded apparel, providing vocational opportunities and supporting sustainable practices. The store and café opened in 2019 and 2022 respectively, with the community center completed in 2023.
  • Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
    • Operate inclusive community farm programs
      Runs a 55-acre organic farm that provides meaningful work, skill-building, and social connection through agricultural activities, educational classes, and shared experiences, specifically designed with and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Serves over 2,500 individuals annually through programs, classes, memberships, and events.
  • Youth Workforce Development in Food & Environment 1 activity
    • Provide vocational training and work-based learning opportunities
      Offers structured vocational programs and year-long apprenticeships for students with disabilities and others facing employment barriers, providing hands-on experience across farm operations, animal care, culinary services, and facilities maintenance, supported through partnerships with school districts.
  • Membership Program Administration 1 activity
    • Provide year-round access and member benefits through Farm Club and Harvest Pass
      Offers sustaining members year-round access to farm grounds, fishing areas, weekly Farm Club Fridays (May–November) with farm work and community lunch, off-season social gatherings, and invitations to member-focused events, enhanced by the 2026 rollout of the Harvest Pass.
  • Agricultural Grantmaking and Funding Programs 1 activity
    • Secure funding through grants and awards
      Funds mission expansion through competitive grants and awards, including a $200,000 prize from winning first place in the Kubota International Hometown Proud Contest in 2022.
  • Agricultural Training and Education Programs 1 activity
    • Train apprentices and staff in farm operations
      Provides training and skill development for apprentices, volunteers, and staff in farm operations, maintenance, and management to build internal capacity and support program delivery.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.22M
Contributions & grants$785K65%
Program service revenue$425K35%
Investment income$2K0%
Other revenue$4K
expenses
Total expenses$1.18M
Program expenses64%
Admin / overhead30%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$678K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$3.57M
Cash$323K
Investments$0
Liabilities$1.80M
Net assets$1.77M
Liquid reserves3.3 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -18.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
JENNYRAE BRONGO CEO 40 $67K
board members · 12
  • BRIAN BRASE — TREASURER
  • CARRIE DATRO — DIRECTOR
  • CHRIS FLAHERTY — DIRECTOR
  • CHUCK GANNON — DIRECTOR
  • CINDY HUUSSEN — DIRECTOR
  • DANIEL MARTUCCI — DIRECTOR
  • DAVID PALERMO — VICE PRESIDENT
  • DEBRA LYNCH — PRESIDENT
  • JANE MOORE — SECRETARY
  • LAURIE WIEST — DIRECTOR
  • MIKE BAUM — DIRECTOR
  • PAUL MONTANARELLO — DIRECTOR
relationships · 19

Who they work with

  • AutismUp Partner — Participating organization at the Inclusion Fair offering inclusive programs and services.
  • Best Buddies Partner — Participating organization at the Inclusion Fair offering inclusive programs and services.
  • Bridges for Brain Injury Partner — Participating organization at the Inclusion Fair, represented by The Brave Notes band.
  • Care Farming Network Network — Member of a national network that advances the therapeutic use of farming practices by connecting agricultural-based programs to build capacity and quality.
  • Care Farming Network Network — Member of a network that advances the therapeutic use of farming practices and supports agricultural-based programs.
  • Erie Canal Partner — Hosts weekly events on the farm located along the Erie Canal in Rochester, NY.
  • Farmhouse Table Partner — Partner catering organization preparing farm-to-table dinner using Homesteads for Hope produce.
  • Gallina Development Partner — Donated program space to support winter programming.
  • GiGi’s Playhouse Partner — Participating organization at the Inclusion Fair offering inclusive programs and services.
  • Greater Rochester region school districts Partner — Partners with school districts to provide work-based learning experiences aligned with student transition goals.
  • Kubota International Partner — Partnered through the Hometown Proud Contest, awarding Homesteads for Hope a $200,000 prize.
  • LeChase Construction Partner — Donated barn floors to support rainy day activities and social distancing at the farm.
  • Nora Venezky Partner — Development Director serving as primary contact for membership inquiries
  • Roberts Wesleyan University’s ARCH Program Partner — Participating organization at the Inclusion Fair offering inclusive programs and services.
  • Talent Teacher Partner — Community partner who leads hands-on educational classes at the farm for individuals of all abilities.
  • The Swooners Partner — Live music performer providing entertainment at the Harvesting Hope Gala.
  • Together for Choice Network — National member organization focused on protecting and advancing the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
  • Together for Choice Network — National member organization working to protect and advance the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their community of choice.
  • Wegmans Partner — Sponsored Homesteads for Hope by hosting a 100-person gathering to introduce donors and partners to the farm’s mission.
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Experiential Skill Development Through Immersive Farm Work
    methodology: immersive_workplace_integration
    By engaging individuals in ongoing, hands-on participation in daily farm operations, the organization builds transferable workplace skills such as communication, problem solving, and responsibility because immersive, real-world tasks provide more effective skill acquisition than one-off career exposure activities.
  • Inclusive Community Engagement Model
    methodology: community_centered_engagement
    By designing programs and events that center community participation—through volunteer-led education, reciprocal involvement, sensory-friendly spaces, and informal gatherings—the organization lowers barriers to engagement and strengthens inclusion because shared, personalized experiences foster connection across abilities.
  • Nature-Based Therapeutic Community
    methodology: nature_based_therapeutic_community
    By immersing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a supportive, nature-based farm environment, the organization fosters personal growth, belonging, and dignity because the combination of therapeutic agriculture and community inclusion addresses social, emotional, and vocational needs simultaneously.