September Green Thumb Garden Club Meeting: Westonwood Ranch

By Kathleen Edge, Publicity & Website Chair

Members and guests of Green Thumb Garden Club toured Westonwood Ranch in Freeport, Florida on September 18, 2024. After the tour, attendees enjoyed a brief meeting and a great lunch at Horse Power Pavilion also in Freeport. Westonwood Ranch is a new GTGC scholarship recipient in 2024/2025.

Lindy Wood, founder and president, shared the inspiring story of her recognition of the unfulfilled need for those affected by autism. This recognition was driven by her son Weston, who at age two, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Lindy and her family of six moved from Alabama to Florida and founded Westonwood Ranch in 2015.

Westonwood Ranch is a much-needed resource in our area. Their mission is to bridge the transition gap once teens and young adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities age out of the public school system. Life, job and social skills training allows these young adults to discover their potential and become empowered to live independent, productive lives.

Education programs include hands-on, experiential learning in their lettuce aquaponics farm, gourmet pet treat bakery, as well as equine therapy and animal care. The special farm animals at the Ranch provide a sense of calm, comfort and safety for the participants.

While the Freeport facility has expanded since 2015, so has the need for its services and, as a result, there is a waiting list. Future expansion projects are on the drawing board with plans to begin in 2025. Westonwood funding is through donors and sponsors. To learn more about their history and the vision of Westonwood Ranch, their website is westonwood.org.