**Attention**
As of June 2020, we will be making changes to the autism programs. Unfortunately, due to decline in funding due to financial stress of some of our donors during the economic crisis related to COVID-19, we can no longer offer services to families of children with autism for free. We will be developing a payment plan and restructuring the scholarship program.
About Us
Encouraging potential through horses and farming
We accomplish this in two ways.
First, through our Art & Play actiivity days, workshops and classes for youth and adults in various subjects like raising chickens, gardening and scout merit badges.
Second, through our non-profit foundation that provides The Horse Boy and Movement Method Playdates for children with autism and their families.
Located in Porter, TX, approximately 35 miles north of Houston, and established in 1998, One Acre Farm is a small family homestead and, since 2005, has provided educational workshops for adults and youth interested in small scale sustainable living. The interest in 'urban farming' and 'mini-farming' is rapidly growing and we strive to help people achieve their goals for applying these skills to where they currently live or in preparation for moving to their own homestead. For youth, we have programs for homeschoolers and help teach them the foundation of farming skills. We also have classes meeting the criteria for merit badges in various agriculture subjects. For a complete list of all the workshops and classes currently provided, please see Farm Activities below or scroll through the tabs at the top of this page.
In Summer 2016, One Acre Farm received training and certification from The Horse Boy, as "1 Star Apprentices and Mentors" of The Horse Boy and Movement Method. Both methods of sensory experience are science backed approaches that show how movement helps build the brain, learn and break free. We are a certified traning center and provider of the methods. Througout the year, we provide training sessions for parents, teachers or caregivers that are interested in learning how to integrate the method into their own experiences.
One Acre Farm provides activities that are inclusive of both neurotypical children and those with autism or similar special need. and private session playdates specific for children with autism and their families. Our goal is to provide these programs free of charge for these families. (Please see above for Covid statment relating to autism programs) The programs are not a replacement for any therapies or schools a child may be attending, they are an added resource and positive experience for not only the child but the whole family.
FARM ACTIVITIES
Childhood is a wondrous time of curiosity and exploration. It is a time when what may seem like play is actually work and learning. In the early years of the United States, daily life was agrarian for most families. Children had farm chores that fostered responsibility, physical activity, problem solving, empathy, independence, work ethic and self-esteem. These experiences and skills are often now lost in modern urban lifestyles. At One Acre Farm, we help children, youth and adults have these experiences and gain knowledge and skills related to home mini-farming.
At One Acre Farm, we believe that children need to be outside and moving around, experiencing the routines of care for animals, being introduced to skills like making mud pies and hammering nails. Best of all, we believe that children need to get dirty. Actually, we believe all ages need to get dirty and learn these skills. So, we have sessions for various ages from children to adults. Like life on a working farm, these classes and sessions take place light rain or shine. (cancellation decisions for heavy rain will be made 2 hours prior to activity)
- Toddler Art & Play (ages 1-3) is a themed 'yes environment' of various activities for exploration, sensory experiences and creative expression.
- Pre-K Art & Play (ages 4-6) is a themed 'yes environment' of various activities for exploration, sensory experiences & creative expression.
- Rhythm & Tunes PreK Music (ages 4-6) is an interactive and creative musical activity using various instrumental items.
- Pre-K Farm School (ages 4-6) is a 6 weekly session outdoor preschool that encompasses essential Pre-K learning activities through outdoor and farm experiences. Subjects include gardening, composting, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits, horses and bees.
- Elementary Farm School (ages 7-13) is a series of 6 weekly classes. Subjects include gardening, chickens, rabbits, goats, horses and beekeeping.
- Homeschool Farm School (ages 7-13) is a series of 6 weekly classes. Subjects include gardening, chickens, rabbits, goats, horses and beekeeping.
- Teen Time are instructional farm work sessions for ages 13-17.
- Scout Merit Badge certification is available through scheduling a class for your small group.
- Adult Classes are available through scheduling a class for your small group. There are times when we will offer a specific date that individuals can sign-up for.
- Internships and Community Service hours are available after having training through Teen Time or other Adult classes.
*Note: Participation in any activity requires the completion of registrtion/payment, reading of waiver release, and completed medical release (for minors) if they are being dropped off.
As of June 2020, we will be making changes to the autism programs. Unfortunately, due to decline in funding due to financial stress of some of our donors during the economic crisis related to COVID-19, we can no longer offer services to families of children with autism for free. We will be developing a payment plan and restructuring the scholarship program.
About Us
Encouraging potential through horses and farming
We accomplish this in two ways.
First, through our Art & Play actiivity days, workshops and classes for youth and adults in various subjects like raising chickens, gardening and scout merit badges.
Second, through our non-profit foundation that provides The Horse Boy and Movement Method Playdates for children with autism and their families.
Located in Porter, TX, approximately 35 miles north of Houston, and established in 1998, One Acre Farm is a small family homestead and, since 2005, has provided educational workshops for adults and youth interested in small scale sustainable living. The interest in 'urban farming' and 'mini-farming' is rapidly growing and we strive to help people achieve their goals for applying these skills to where they currently live or in preparation for moving to their own homestead. For youth, we have programs for homeschoolers and help teach them the foundation of farming skills. We also have classes meeting the criteria for merit badges in various agriculture subjects. For a complete list of all the workshops and classes currently provided, please see Farm Activities below or scroll through the tabs at the top of this page.
In Summer 2016, One Acre Farm received training and certification from The Horse Boy, as "1 Star Apprentices and Mentors" of The Horse Boy and Movement Method. Both methods of sensory experience are science backed approaches that show how movement helps build the brain, learn and break free. We are a certified traning center and provider of the methods. Througout the year, we provide training sessions for parents, teachers or caregivers that are interested in learning how to integrate the method into their own experiences.
One Acre Farm provides activities that are inclusive of both neurotypical children and those with autism or similar special need. and private session playdates specific for children with autism and their families. Our goal is to provide these programs free of charge for these families. (Please see above for Covid statment relating to autism programs) The programs are not a replacement for any therapies or schools a child may be attending, they are an added resource and positive experience for not only the child but the whole family.
FARM ACTIVITIES
Childhood is a wondrous time of curiosity and exploration. It is a time when what may seem like play is actually work and learning. In the early years of the United States, daily life was agrarian for most families. Children had farm chores that fostered responsibility, physical activity, problem solving, empathy, independence, work ethic and self-esteem. These experiences and skills are often now lost in modern urban lifestyles. At One Acre Farm, we help children, youth and adults have these experiences and gain knowledge and skills related to home mini-farming.
At One Acre Farm, we believe that children need to be outside and moving around, experiencing the routines of care for animals, being introduced to skills like making mud pies and hammering nails. Best of all, we believe that children need to get dirty. Actually, we believe all ages need to get dirty and learn these skills. So, we have sessions for various ages from children to adults. Like life on a working farm, these classes and sessions take place light rain or shine. (cancellation decisions for heavy rain will be made 2 hours prior to activity)
- Toddler Art & Play (ages 1-3) is a themed 'yes environment' of various activities for exploration, sensory experiences and creative expression.
- Pre-K Art & Play (ages 4-6) is a themed 'yes environment' of various activities for exploration, sensory experiences & creative expression.
- Rhythm & Tunes PreK Music (ages 4-6) is an interactive and creative musical activity using various instrumental items.
- Pre-K Farm School (ages 4-6) is a 6 weekly session outdoor preschool that encompasses essential Pre-K learning activities through outdoor and farm experiences. Subjects include gardening, composting, chickens, ducks, goats, rabbits, horses and bees.
- Elementary Farm School (ages 7-13) is a series of 6 weekly classes. Subjects include gardening, chickens, rabbits, goats, horses and beekeeping.
- Homeschool Farm School (ages 7-13) is a series of 6 weekly classes. Subjects include gardening, chickens, rabbits, goats, horses and beekeeping.
- Teen Time are instructional farm work sessions for ages 13-17.
- Scout Merit Badge certification is available through scheduling a class for your small group.
- Adult Classes are available through scheduling a class for your small group. There are times when we will offer a specific date that individuals can sign-up for.
- Internships and Community Service hours are available after having training through Teen Time or other Adult classes.
*Note: Participation in any activity requires the completion of registrtion/payment, reading of waiver release, and completed medical release (for minors) if they are being dropped off.
Dynamite Duo
Catherine Griffin and Nicole Jones are a mother/daughter team of educators and farmgirls on a mission to encourage others' potential through horses and farming.
Catherine Griffin and Nicole Jones are a mother/daughter team of educators and farmgirls on a mission to encourage others' potential through horses and farming.
Catherine Ward
Owner of One Acre Farm
Founder of One Acre Farm Educational Foundation
Co-Founder of Strides Autism Therapy Program
*Texas State Teacher Certification in Elementary Education with specialization in Early Childhood and Reading
* Former public school teacher
* Specialized tutoring
* Homeschool educator for 18 years
* Certified trainer and provider of The Horse Boy Method and Movement Method
* Small business owner
* Small-scale farming enthusiast and educator to local community
Owner of One Acre Farm
Founder of One Acre Farm Educational Foundation
Co-Founder of Strides Autism Therapy Program
*Texas State Teacher Certification in Elementary Education with specialization in Early Childhood and Reading
* Former public school teacher
* Specialized tutoring
* Homeschool educator for 18 years
* Certified trainer and provider of The Horse Boy Method and Movement Method
* Small business owner
* Small-scale farming enthusiast and educator to local community
Nicole Jones
Co-Founder of Strides Autism Therapy Program
*Certified Montessori teacher
*Certified as a 1 Star Apprentice in Horse Boy Method & Movement Method
*Volunteered and worked in various areas involving children/adults with autism and other special needs including: Therapeutic horse riding, ABA behavior therapy, summer camps, and in-home care.
*Horse rider since 2002
Co-Founder of Strides Autism Therapy Program
*Certified Montessori teacher
*Certified as a 1 Star Apprentice in Horse Boy Method & Movement Method
*Volunteered and worked in various areas involving children/adults with autism and other special needs including: Therapeutic horse riding, ABA behavior therapy, summer camps, and in-home care.
*Horse rider since 2002
Mission Statement
Our mission at One Acre Farm is to provide outdoor activities, educational information and skills relating to small scale sustainable living and farming to children, youth, and adults.
Our mission at non-profit One Acre Farm Educational Foundation is to provide specialized outdoor programs for families of children with autism or similar special needs that encourage exploration, communication, and potential.
Our mission at One Acre Farm is to provide outdoor activities, educational information and skills relating to small scale sustainable living and farming to children, youth, and adults.
Our mission at non-profit One Acre Farm Educational Foundation is to provide specialized outdoor programs for families of children with autism or similar special needs that encourage exploration, communication, and potential.
Non-profit Unincorporated Organization Declaration
Articles of Association/Bylaws
For
One Acre Farm Educational Foundation
Drafted and Effective April 8, 2016
Article I
One Acre Farm Educational Foundation
The name of this unincorporated association shall be One Acre Farm Educational Foundation. The business of the non-profit may be conducted as One Acre Farm Educational Foundation, One Acre Farm E.F. or O.A.F.E.F.
Article II
2.01 Purpose
One Acre Farm Educational Foundation is a non-profit unincorporated association that provides educational and recreational programs for families of children with autism or other special needs.
2.02 Funding
O.A.F.E.F. receives funding through donations and/or grants. These monies are used to cover the operational costs, equipment, and real property.
2.03 Manner of Distribution
Upon the dissolution of O.A.F.E.F, and after all liabilities and obligations are satisfied, any real property held by O.A.F.E.F. shall be distributed to one or more non-profit organizations, which may include The Horse Boy Foundation and Kids Must Move Foundation.
2.04 Duration
A Texas non-profit unincorporated association exists perpetually unless provided otherwise in the formation documents.
2.05 Information for Public Inspection
Records, books and annual reports of financial activity are to be maintained by co-founders and shall be available to the public for inspection upon request.
Article III
3.01 Agent(s)
Co-Founders
Catherine Griffin
Porter, TX 77365
Arlene Nicole G. Jones
Porter, TX 77365
Article IV
4..01 Management
The management of the affairs of O.A.F.E.F. is vested in the co-founders and advisory board. The number of board members and the revision of board members may be made at any time during an official meeting of the association and amendments should be added to these articles.
4.02 Advisory Board
Cynthia Goodell
Humble, TX 77339
Christy Sylvester
Humble, TX 77338
4.03 Members
O.A.F.E.F. will have no members.
Bylaws
Name One Acre Farm Educational Foundation, may also use abbreviations One Acre Farm E.F. and O.A.F.E.F.
Purpose One Acre Farm Educational Foundation is a non-profit unincorporated association that provides educational and recreational programs for families of children with autism or other special needs.
Membership O.A.F.E.F. will have no members
Meetings and voting Meetings will be called as needed by the co-founders, with at least one per month. This monthly meeting can be by conference call or with persons in attendance at a location. This can be amended at any time.
Meetings will be conducted with parliamentary procedure.
All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting.
Decisions and voting can also be made through text or email discussions with a formal written description of such communication given to each member as record of discussion and vote.
Advisory Board The affairs shall be managed by the co-founders and advisory board. The number of board members and the revision of board members may be made at any time during an official meeting of the association and amendments should be added to the articles and bylaws.
The co-founders and advisory board shall be responsible for the management of the affairs and property. The day to day running of operations shall be the responsibility of the co-founders.
The number of advisory board members shall consist of no less than 3 and no more than 10.
The initial board will be chosen and set up by the co-founders. Board members may serve a one year term. Revisions and/or additions to the board may be made at anytime during a meeting.
There is no compensation for serving on the advisory board.
Board members shall not discuss or disclose information about O.A.F.E.F. or its activities to any person unless such information is already a matter of public knowledge.
Catherine Griffin, co-founder
Porter, TX 77365
Arlene Nicole G. Jones, co-founder
Splendora, TX 77365
Cynthia Goodell, advisory
Humble, TX 77339
Christy Sylvester, advisory
Humble, TX 77338
President-shall preside at all meetings, preside over all committees, have general and active management of the business of the board, shall submit a report of the operations
Catherine Griffin
Vice-President-shall have all the powers and duties of the President in absence of the President, may chair committees and other to be determined duties
Nicole Jones
Secretary-shall attend all meetings of board and committees and will act as clerk, record all discussions and votes and minutes, and type a formal minutes document.
Nicole Jones
Treasurer-shall keep a financial record of all income and expenses, donations, grants, scholarships and real property inventory. Shall give a report at each board meeting.
Catherine Griffin
Committees The board may create committees as needed.
Staff The board may designate and hire staff as needed.
Indemnification Please see attached addendum of waiver.
Amendments Articles and Bylaws may be amended in any manner at any meeting of the Board.
Articles of Association/Bylaws
For
One Acre Farm Educational Foundation
Drafted and Effective April 8, 2016
Article I
One Acre Farm Educational Foundation
The name of this unincorporated association shall be One Acre Farm Educational Foundation. The business of the non-profit may be conducted as One Acre Farm Educational Foundation, One Acre Farm E.F. or O.A.F.E.F.
Article II
2.01 Purpose
One Acre Farm Educational Foundation is a non-profit unincorporated association that provides educational and recreational programs for families of children with autism or other special needs.
2.02 Funding
O.A.F.E.F. receives funding through donations and/or grants. These monies are used to cover the operational costs, equipment, and real property.
2.03 Manner of Distribution
Upon the dissolution of O.A.F.E.F, and after all liabilities and obligations are satisfied, any real property held by O.A.F.E.F. shall be distributed to one or more non-profit organizations, which may include The Horse Boy Foundation and Kids Must Move Foundation.
2.04 Duration
A Texas non-profit unincorporated association exists perpetually unless provided otherwise in the formation documents.
2.05 Information for Public Inspection
Records, books and annual reports of financial activity are to be maintained by co-founders and shall be available to the public for inspection upon request.
Article III
3.01 Agent(s)
Co-Founders
Catherine Griffin
Porter, TX 77365
Arlene Nicole G. Jones
Porter, TX 77365
Article IV
4..01 Management
The management of the affairs of O.A.F.E.F. is vested in the co-founders and advisory board. The number of board members and the revision of board members may be made at any time during an official meeting of the association and amendments should be added to these articles.
4.02 Advisory Board
Cynthia Goodell
Humble, TX 77339
Christy Sylvester
Humble, TX 77338
4.03 Members
O.A.F.E.F. will have no members.
Bylaws
Name One Acre Farm Educational Foundation, may also use abbreviations One Acre Farm E.F. and O.A.F.E.F.
Purpose One Acre Farm Educational Foundation is a non-profit unincorporated association that provides educational and recreational programs for families of children with autism or other special needs.
Membership O.A.F.E.F. will have no members
Meetings and voting Meetings will be called as needed by the co-founders, with at least one per month. This monthly meeting can be by conference call or with persons in attendance at a location. This can be amended at any time.
Meetings will be conducted with parliamentary procedure.
All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting.
Decisions and voting can also be made through text or email discussions with a formal written description of such communication given to each member as record of discussion and vote.
Advisory Board The affairs shall be managed by the co-founders and advisory board. The number of board members and the revision of board members may be made at any time during an official meeting of the association and amendments should be added to the articles and bylaws.
The co-founders and advisory board shall be responsible for the management of the affairs and property. The day to day running of operations shall be the responsibility of the co-founders.
The number of advisory board members shall consist of no less than 3 and no more than 10.
The initial board will be chosen and set up by the co-founders. Board members may serve a one year term. Revisions and/or additions to the board may be made at anytime during a meeting.
There is no compensation for serving on the advisory board.
Board members shall not discuss or disclose information about O.A.F.E.F. or its activities to any person unless such information is already a matter of public knowledge.
Catherine Griffin, co-founder
Porter, TX 77365
Arlene Nicole G. Jones, co-founder
Splendora, TX 77365
Cynthia Goodell, advisory
Humble, TX 77339
Christy Sylvester, advisory
Humble, TX 77338
- Officers
President-shall preside at all meetings, preside over all committees, have general and active management of the business of the board, shall submit a report of the operations
Catherine Griffin
Vice-President-shall have all the powers and duties of the President in absence of the President, may chair committees and other to be determined duties
Nicole Jones
Secretary-shall attend all meetings of board and committees and will act as clerk, record all discussions and votes and minutes, and type a formal minutes document.
Nicole Jones
Treasurer-shall keep a financial record of all income and expenses, donations, grants, scholarships and real property inventory. Shall give a report at each board meeting.
Catherine Griffin
Committees The board may create committees as needed.
Staff The board may designate and hire staff as needed.
Indemnification Please see attached addendum of waiver.
Amendments Articles and Bylaws may be amended in any manner at any meeting of the Board.