The Farm of Life, a centre created by the Community of Hope Foundation in Więckowice near Krakow, is a space that has become a second home for people with disabilities and their families. It’s a place where each life values and every day brings hope for a better future. The centre’s main founder, Alina Perzanowska, a mother of a man with autism, has just received a nomination for The Best & More on behalf of the Foundation, in recognition of the aforementioned merits, of spreading knowledge on this specific disability, and various forms of support for autistic people.
The history of the Farm of Life begins in the 1990s. It’s then, when Alina Perzanowska, together with Professor Jerzy Perzanowski and Judge Witold Dygon, founded the Community of Hope Foundation in 1998, in response to the dramatic lack of support for adults with autism in Poland. Although diagnosis and therapy for children was already being developed at the time, the problem of post-educational institutional void remained unresolved. Young adults stayed at home, deprived of support, therapy and the chance for a decent life.
The Foundation modelled itself after the Irish Dunfirth Farm – a rural community where people with autism lived and worked running a farm. Such a model of life inspired creation of the Farm of Life – a place merging daily activities with safety, support and therapy. In 2005, the first house was built in Więckowice, amidst the picturesque countryside of Lesser Poland.
A place respecting the rights of people with disabilities.
Today, the Farm occupies 7 hectares and consists of three organisational units: Malopolska Social Welfare Home ‘On the Farm of Life’, the Day Activity Centre and the Organic Farm. It’s a space offering adults with autism a place for permanent housing, rehabilitation and social integration.
The Residential Home permanently houses 10 people: 4 women and 6 men. Each resident has a single room with an en-suite bathroom. This is a standard that responds to years of neglect and inhumane conditions in former care institutions.
Daily activities include horticultural therapy, recreation, art workshops and daily household chores. Participants are involved in growing vegetables, managing the orchard and looking after the mountain sheep.
More than 250 fruit trees have been planted at the Organic Farm, permaculture beds and a lime avenue have been created. Working outdoors becomes a therapy that restores joy and meaning to life.
A space giving hope for the future
The Farm of Life answers the question many parents have: what will happen to my child when I am gone?
Answering this question, the facility expanded by adding asylum – a safe place to become a real home for people with autism after the loss of loved ones. This is a big step towards ensuring a dignified future for those who cannot fight for it themselves.
Extraordinary Alina Perzanowska – the founder
Behind the development of the Farm of Life stands its founder, Alina Perzanowska – a woman of extraordinary strength, vision and determination. Over years of work on behalf of people with autism, she has gained not only recognition, but also the titles of Charismatic Lady and Woman. Her activity, empathy and dedication have made the Centre a model for other similar places in Poland and Europe.
A home bringing people together
Each day at the Farm has its own rhythm, whilst work and therapy interact with the seasons. Participants gain an understanding of their work as valuable and learn to perceive themselves as the integral part of the community. Families and carers find support and empathy here, sharing their experiences with others.
It is a hopeful place, reminding that every person – regardless of their limitations – deserves happiness, dignity and a chance for a better tomorrow.
The Farm of Life is a space where hope blooms and life finds new meaning. It uniquely shows that man, nature and community are all able to create room for kindness, respect and real life.
’The Farm of Life is a dream fulfilment for a place where people with autism live with dignity, thrive and are integral part of the community. I wanted it to be a home where each and every resident feels accepted and safe, and where parents feel confident that their children are in good hands’ – emphasises the CEO. Her vision and determination have ensured that today the Centre is a life-changing place, restoring joy and life meaning. – ‘Everyone, regardless of their limitations, deserves happiness, dignity and a chance for a better tomorrow’ – notes Alina Perzanowska, pointing out that it is community and work in a natural environment that are the key to success. t
Katarzyna Raszka
Beata Sekuła
