FOSTERING FLOWERS
Fostering Flowers exists to foster belonging with people impacted by disabilities through sustainable flower farming, integrated work, and hospitality. Our activities empower diverse abilities, promote sustainable practices, and share beauty through high-quality flowers and people.
It started with a dream for Brittney, but got cut short initially with the pregnancy of their second son, Ivy, who was born with numerous mid-line abnormalities including Spina Bifida and chronic lung disease that requires a trach (to name a few).
Now Brittney and Robbie with their sons, Silas and Ivy, have a newfound perspective and even greater passion to share beauty through flowers with people.
FOLLOW THIS REDEMPTIVE STORY
Growing & Giving Beauty
As a redemptive project of HopeWords, Fostering Flowers exists to foster belonging with people impacted by disabilities through sustainable flower farming, integrated work, and hospitality. Our activities empower diverse abilities, promote sustainable practices, and share beauty through high-quality flowers and people.
OUR WORK
OUR WORK
Sustainable Flower Farming
Our year-round flower farming, managed by founders and volunteers, uses sustainable practices without synthetic pesticides or herbicides. This ensures a safe environment for everyone, including the children who play and learn in the same soil.
Why Flowers? Why Beauty?
Flowers connect us—they mark time, lament loss, and celebrate joy. They remind us that beauty transcends nourishment, serving as a bridge from the land to one another.
Farming is deeply rooted in Cleveland County, NC's cultural heritage. By embracing this tradition, Fostering Flowers supports agricultural entrepreneurship while building on the strengths of our community.
Some Benefits of Flower Farming:
Cost-effective
Accessible for all abilities—what’s accessible for those with disabilities benefits everyone.
Avenues for sales include Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), flower stands, and wholesale partnerships with local florists.
Integrated Employment
Fostering Flowers provides meaningful work opportunities across our flower farming operations—from cultivation to sales. Our focus on innovative integration is designed to help people with diverse abilities to thrive.
Integration extends beyond flower production to every aspect of what we do. It’s about creating proximity and accessibility for the talents, imaginations, and stories of those we serve.
We’ve already partnered with Cleveland Vocational Industry (CVI) to enhance their programming and develop new opportunities for integrated employment.
Horticultural Therapy
Our work is about more than flowers; it’s about cultivating growth and healing.
Physical Therapy: Adaptive gardening techniques, sensory walks, and harvesting improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Occupational Therapy: Activities like flower arranging, garden planning, and tool handling enhance motor skills and problem-solving.
Vocational Therapy: Running farm stands, greenhouse management, and floral design teach valuable job skills and promote independence.
Our goal isn’t solely to produce flowers for sale but to create an environment where people and the land are nurtured.
Storytelling
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves” (Proverbs 31:8)
Fostering Flowers provides a platform for the voices of individuals impacted by disabilities. By exploring creative storytelling methods, we help reveal gifts and experiences often hidden by stigma.
Through patient and thoughtful care, we cultivate stories like we do our flowers—watering, tending, and allowing them to bloom naturally. These stories help build a community of belonging and shared understanding.
Research
Our work is guided by intentional research and collaboration. We establish thoughtful questions, metrics, and processes to measure impact and ensure our efforts align with the broader needs of the community.
Looking Ahead
Fostering Flowers is growing—literally and figuratively. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
Accessible You-Pick Flower Farm: A community space for connection and employment.
Flower Stands: Expanding our presence in multiple locations.
Events & Workshops: Hosting gatherings that bring people together.
Therapy Program Expansion: Offering specialized on-site therapy services.
Job Training & Placement: Preparing individuals with disabilities for employment in horticulture and hospitality.