History of Green Care Farms
"My Grandpa Ron was a farmer and a science teacher in Wellington County, Ontario. When I was 14, he was diagnosed with early onset dementia at age 63. As his dementia progressed, it became harder for him to spend time outside safely, and my family struggled to find meaningful programs and services that reflected who he was and what mattered to him."
Inspired by Grandpa Ron
"There were no programs in Canada for people living with dementia to remain active outdoors in this way. That gap stayed with me.
After learning about care farms in Europe and spending years working in healthcare, policy, and social work, it became clear that we needed new solutions outside traditional service models. Rather than simply study the need, Green Care Farms was created to build the kind of program families had been missing.
Green Care Farms exists to offer outdoor day programming for people living with dementia in a real farm setting while also supporting the wider journey that care partners and families are navigating across dementia care, respite, and community connection.
We know that a dementia diagnosis affects the whole family. Green Care Farms is proud to offer not only programming, but also connection, hope, and a different vision of what support can look like."
Rebekah Churchyard
Founder & CEO, Green Care Farms
Ron Goodall looking at a plane in the sky outside his long term care home
Rebekah Churchyard at Green Care Farms
Rebekah with brother Arthur Churchyard and mother Mary Churchyard (Ron’s daughter)
A Journey of Growth
2018
The First Seeds
Rebekah begins researching European Care Farm models, specifically looking at the success of Social Farming in the Netherlands and the UK. The concept for Green Care Farms is formalized.
2020
Community Roots
Despite global challenges, the first pilot programs launch. We partner with local farmers in Ontario to create safe, outdoor spaces for seniors to engage in light farm activities.
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Present
Cultivating the Future
Today, Green Care Farms is a leader in therapeutic agricultural care. We have expanded to multiple locations, providing a sanctuary for dozens of families and proving that nature is indeed a powerful partner in health.