Adult Agricultural Community Option for Residential Needs | | | |
The Girls Have Arrived!
After months of anticipation, AACORN's newest four-legged team members have finally arrived! Thanks to the help of our social media followers, participants, and staff, our two new Jennies (female donkeys) now have names: Dorothy, a standard donkey, and Delores, a miniature donkey.
The pair wasted no time settling into life at AACORN—or making friends with Sugar, our miniature horse, who has been enjoying the company of her new companions.
Participants have been getting to know each donkey's unique personality while learning how to safely brush, handle, and care for them. Of course, the girls have already provided plenty of entertainment, too. One of their favorite pastimes is taking dust baths, happily rolling onto their backs and kicking their legs in the air before getting back up as if nothing happened! It never fails to bring smiles and laughter from everyone watching.
As participants build relationships with Dorothy and Delores, they're also developing confidence, responsibility, and animal care skills. We have a feeling these two girls are going to become beloved members of the AACORN family for years to come.
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Meet Dorothy (back) and Delores (front), the newest members of the AACORN family.
| | Alex and Holly, and K-College intern Alondra spend time brushing Dorothy as they get to know AACORN's newest four-legged friend. | | Want to see more? We've shared additional photos and the full story of Dorothy and Delores' arrival on the AACORN website. CLICK HERE | | | | Last month, we shared the construction of AACORN's new compost pad. This month, it's already hard at work! Participant Michael helps add garden weeds to the new composting system, which will create nutrient-rich compost to nourish our gardens in the seasons ahead. | | |
Growing Together Through Partnership
This summer, AACORN is proud to partner with Pine Lake Fund, a Michigan nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities access meaningful postsecondary education and employment opportunities. Through this partnership, we welcomed summer work interns Brennan and James, who have been working alongside their job coach on projects throughout the farm.
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Over the past several weeks, Brennan and James have tackled a variety of projects, including refreshing landscape beds, clearing walking trails, staining picnic tables, and assisting with general farm maintenance. Their willingness to learn, positive attitudes, and strong work ethic have made a noticeable difference around the property.
Partnerships like this do more than accomplish projects—they create opportunities for individuals to build workplace skills, gain confidence, and contribute in meaningful ways. We're grateful to Pine Lake Fund for connecting us with Brennan, James, and Stacy, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the years ahead.
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Welcome Our First Rooted Sponsors!
We're excited to recognize Century Bank & Trust and Consumers Credit Union as AACORN's first Rooted Sponsors.
Century Bank & Trust has been a valued partner since AACORN first purchased its farm property, supporting our mission and growth over the years. We are grateful for their continued commitment to the adults we serve.
Consumers Credit Union has quickly become much more than a sponsor. From bringing employees to tour the farm and hosting team-building experiences to attending events and investing through sponsorship, they've enthusiastically embraced AACORN's mission.
Support from our Rooted Sponsors helps provide program supplies, participant activities, and other resources that keep AACORN's tuition-free programming thriving. Thank you, Century Bank & Trust and Consumers Credit Union, for believing in our mission and helping create opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.
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Thank You, PM Cares!
Throughout their fiscal year, Plante Moran employees rolled up their sleeves to volunteer on projects across the farm while also raising funds to support AACORN's mission. We're incredibly grateful for their partnership and all they've done to strengthen our community.
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Breakfast of Champions
Planning is well underway for AACORN's annual Breakfast of Champions, taking place on Thursday, September 24, at the beautiful
Kalamazoo Country Club.
One of the things that makes this event special is our table hosts, who introduce friends, colleagues, and community members to AACORN's mission and the lives being changed through our program.
We're currently welcoming additional table hosts and sponsors. If you'd like to learn more about either opportunity, please contact Mary Pickett. Call: 269-217-0927 or email: communications@aacorncommunity.org
| | A few moments from around the farm and in the community that made July special—from volunteering and shopping to gardening, soap making, and caring for the animals. | | Your input helps us communicate in ways that are most meaningful to you. If you haven't already, please take a minute to complete our short communication preferences survey. | | |
Betty Bonney, in memory of Jeremiah Semark
*Jean Joque, in honor of Michael Joque
*Catherine Pinto, in honor of Tom Pinto
*Cindy Semark, in memory of Jeremiah Semark
Mary DeYoung-Smith, in honor of Mary Pickett
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Century Bank & Trust, Rooted Annual Community Partner
Consumers Credit Union, Rooted annual Community Partner
ENNA Foundation
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Marvin & Rosalie Okun Foundation
Harold & Grace Upjohn Foundation
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*Anonymous with matching gift from Stryker Corp.
*Ron Anderson
*Dwayne & Shelly Bagley
Mary Butler
*Crystal Dunne
*Liz Farner
*Michelle Feifowicz with matching gift from American Express Company
*Dorin & Eileen Fera
*Michael Graham
*Phyllis Hill
Nancy Honeysett
Prudence McCabe
*Pat & Bill McKinney
*Luke McLogan
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*Todd Miller
*Bill Klinestecker via KZCF Donor Advised Fund
*Mary Pickett
*Rebekah Poxson
*Nick Reid
Mark Reile
*Jack Rupp
Larry Schimmel
*Toni Sergeant
*Karl Sievertsen
*Sarah Thomas
*Ross & Jodi Tsapyak
*David VanHorn
Jan Wright
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*Denotes recurring monthly giving.
Some gifts are made through donor-advised funds, workplace giving programs, or employer matching gifts. We're grateful for every way our supporters choose to invest in AACORN's mission.
| | Want to Be Part of AACORN's Story? | | Ready to make a recurring or one-time gift? Get set up in just a few minutes. | | | Interested in volunteering at AACORN, or behind the scenes? Let us know! | | | | | |