The purpose of Many Hearts, One Farm is to educate and inspire our team, clients and the communities that we serve. The Many Hearts, One Farm logo reminds us that no one heart is better or more important than the other because we need each one in order to make different but beautiful colors. Just like every paint color on a palette, everyone who walks through the doors of Main Stay plays an equally important part in our mission.


National Autism Acceptance Month

National Autism Acceptance Month, observed in April, aims to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and advocate for individuals with autism, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment where they can thrive.


Among those celebrated during this month is Main Stay’s very own, Jack!

Jack, who came to Main Stay as a rider over 15 years ago, is a person with autism and is seeking the same understanding as everyone else. He currently holds two part-time jobs, one of which is at Main Stay! Jack was hired at the farm in 2021 as a barn assistant and then in 2023 was promoted to facility maintenance. Jack, like many individuals, also experiences struggles with his mental health and finds value in our understanding culture: "And that's why I really love working here. And because, you know, people like me, with intellectual disabilities, whether it's any type of mental illness, should know they're valued. And we encourage people to do good stuff for others in life." Furthermore, Jack takes pride in his work, understanding its significance, and remains committed to performing his duties diligently. "I love being in the service industry and doing multiple things for a living. I'm happy to be part of your team"


Jack also takes pride in being able to drive himself to and from his jobs because he had to work really hard for it. "Me and my folks had to go to court a few years back so I can have partial guardian over myself. So I can have that right and privilege. To actually make that choice to get into driving. And that was not easy." He regards driving as a right and privilege and prioritizes safety, even when running late for work: "And, you know, I say to myself, you're a little late, Jack, that that's your problem, right? Still do the speed limit and follow the rules of the road. Yeah, It's for your own safety and other driver's safety."

Jack considers himself an “old school type of person” but beyond work and responsibilities, Jack enjoys spending time with his family and friends and has many hobbies, such as fishing and woodworking. He even used his craftsmanship skill to help make a difference – creating a set of wood candle holders and coasters for Main Stay’s silent auction which will take place during our annual gala. 

Main Stay staff member, Jack, stands in front of two windows holding up a candle holder and coaster that he made using his woodworking skill.

World Peace Month

If you’ve been to the farm, you may have noticed a tall white pole near the front entrance. This pole designates Main Stay as an international peace site! This means that we have committed to keeping the Five Peace Actions:  


  • Seek: Peace within yourself and others 
  • Reach out: in service 
  • Protect: the environment 
  • Respect: diversity 
  • Be: a responsible citizen of the world 


These actions overlap with the values Main Stay already strives to uphold and registering as a Peace Site allows us to make that known on an international platform.  


Interested in also becoming an international peace site? You can find more information here:  World Citizen Peace 

 

Calendar

Upcoming Holidays | Celebrations | Awareness Days

April 1st 

  • Easter Monday: (Christian) The second day of Easter and day of remembrance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  


April 2nd 

  • World Autism Acceptance Day: (International) A day celebrating and recognizing diversity of people with autism instead of finding a “cure” for autism.  


April 5th 

  • Laylat al-Qadr: (Islam) The Night of Power, when the Quarn was sent from heaven and revealed to Muhammed.  


April 9th 

  • Chaitra Sukhladi/Gudi Padwa/Ugadi: (Hindu) First month of the Hindu calendar and the beginning of the harvest season.  


April 10th 

  • Eid al-Fitr: (Islam) Marks the end of the fasting for Ramadan.  


Be sure to check out the live Calendar through the link below! You can view the entire year by clicking the blue arrows at top left of the calendar.

View the Entire 2024 Calendar >>>

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