Mission Statement
Our mission is to reconnect students of all ages with small farm-community living, a cornerstone of our national heritage. Seeds of wonder, hope and compassion yield a rich harvest of family values, a solid work ethic, caring for one another, and an understanding of our place in relation to the rest of creation. We exist to serve, to lead by example and to invite all to share in our abundant blessings.
A Brief History
Cascade Farm was purchased by William & Karin Falencki in the mid-1950u2019s. Previously named u201cThree Oaks Farmu201d for three tremendous white oaks located just west of the original farmhouse, the Falenckiu2019s renamed the property Cascade Farm after a family farm of the same name in their native Poland.
Previously a dairy farm owned by the Sprague and Post families, the property had begun to revert back to young woodlands when acquired by the Falenckiu2019s.
John Falencki, the son of William and Karin, was a young boy when the farm was purchased. It always was a dream of his to see the land brought back into working condition. As he grew older, he realized the value of working towards a farm that would be sustainable in nature.
David Frost accepted a position of caregiver in the Fall of 1987. His responsibilities initially consisted of caring for the Falencki Family Estate. However, a penchant for starting new projects and an affiliation with Cerebral Palsy of Putnam and Southern Dutchess Counties, Inc., soon laid the groundwork for Johnu2019s dream.
In the Fall of 1996, John, David and Cerebral Palsy joined forces and made a decision to begin a community farm project. A core group was formed of seven families in addition to CP who agreed to work that first summer putting in gardens and fences in exchange for a portion of whatever they were able to harvest.
Our first summer was lots of work, lots of fun, and yielded a respectable harvest. The decision was made to press forward and open up the farm to additional families.
Together we continue working to complete the dream. Join us, won’tyou?