September Newsletter
Dear HRHF Supporters,
A new school year is here, and we couldn't be more excited to launch right into it alongside you. This summer overflowed with growth and connection — and Lead from the Heart and Farm Forward are galloping back for the school year alongside our flagship program, welcoming a whole new group of eager participants. Thank you for being part of this journey with us — here's to another season of growth, together.
Farm Happenings: Take a peek at what we've been up to at the farm
🌱 Lead from the Heart & Farm Forward Program Update
Lead from the Heart will run for 18 weeks, fall through spring, and Farm Forward will welcome two cohorts — one this fall and another in the spring, with a winter break in between.
We are so grateful to United Way of North Central Massachusetts for their support in helping make both of these programs possible — helping teens build real skills, confidence, and opportunity through hands-on learning.
🤝 Community & Partnership: United Way of North Central Massachusetts
Our partnership with United Way goes far beyond program funding. In addition to their support of Lead from the Heart and Farm Forward, United Way invests in us through training opportunities, and Barbara regularly participates in their mental health roundtable alongside other local leaders working in this space. Each year, United Way also facilitates the Day of Caring, mobilizing local volunteers to spend hours powering hands-on projects at HRHF and other nonprofits across the region. It's this kind of behind-the-scenes support that helps organizations like ours keep showing up for our community — and we're deeply grateful for it.
🌿 Fall Sessions — Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays
By now, the back-to-school rush has settled into routine — but for a lot of kids and teens, the adjustment to new schedules, new pressures, and new expectations is still very much underway. Fall registration is open, and our sessions offer something a little different: a slower pace, time outdoors, and connection with the horses that can help create some steadiness amid the change. Whether it's a first visit to the farm or a return to familiar ground, there's still time to build that into your fall. Interested in joining us? Register today.
Volunteer Spotlight - Day of Caring: Community in Action
This year's Day of Caring brought over 28 volunteers to the farm from organizations across the region, including The CASA Project Worcester County, Monty Tech, Fitchburg State University, Seven Hills, and Cornerstone Bank, among others. In just four hours, the group tackled some of our biggest projects of the season — moving 200 bales of hay from the upper to the lower barn, redesigning the footing in the paddock to prevent flooding during rain and snowmelt, decorating stations, and taking on landscaping and weeding across the property. It was a powerful reminder of what community can accomplish together, and we're so grateful to United Way and every volunteer who showed up to make it happen.
🐴 Our First Staff Spotlight - Meet Grace
She started as a volunteer in 2022 and has since become one of the driving hearts of the farm. Grace would never ask for the spotlight, which is exactly why she's getting it. Discover how her passion for people and horses is influencing so much of what we do here at the farm.
Fall is in full swing at the farm, and there are plenty of ways to stay connected. Here's how to get involved:
Make a Donation — Our herd's needs continue year-round, and every gift helps ensure no participant is turned away over cost. Take a look at our Amazon wishlist to see what's needed most. Donation page
Volunteer With Us — We recently launched FOALS (Farm Orientation & Apprentice Learners), our new program to train and onboard volunteers for the season ahead. We're also growing our content platform and social media community, and could especially use volunteers with expertise in online communications. No horse experience needed — just an open heart. Volunteer sign-up page
📢 Spread the Word — Fall registration is open, and word of mouth is how most families find us. Share this newsletter with someone who might be ready to join the herd. Register today!
Five Years In. Still Growing.
As fall settles in, we're taking a moment to reflect on everything this year has brought so far — new programs, new milestones, and a community that keeps showing up in a big way. Our fifth year is only picking up momentum, and we're excited for everything still ahead. Thank you for being part of it.
🐴🌿 With gratitude from all of us,
Barbara and the High Ridge Harmony Farm Team
Contact Us
978-874-1261 | harmonyfarm01473@gmail.comwww.highridgeharmonyfarm.com | Instagram | Facebook
Comments