My First Time At The Farm!
June 1, 2016Second Annual Smile Farms Golf Outing and Wine & Paint Classic
September 29, 2016Volunteering at Smile Farms at IGHL
My name is Breann Lydon and I am the Smile Farms 2016 Summer Intern. Before I was asked to interview for this position, I honestly did not know what Smile Farms was and what they stood for. What I found within a few minutes of research was that there was nothing more I wanted to do with my summer than to support and work with this incredible non-profit. Looking back on my time here so far, I could not have asked for a more fulfilling and educational experience.
During my first month with the organization, I was able to visit the Farm in Moriches, NY with all the 1-800-Flowers.com interns. I was blown away by the beauty of the bustling and organized farm. The first thing I thought about when I arrived was the pictures don’t do this place justice. I was able to work side by side with the farmers and really get an idea of what a day at the farm is like for them. Let me just say, I have a found a new appreciation for everything these farmers and Smile Farms employees do. For example, during my visit yesterday it was 93 degrees outside – meaning it was even hotter inside the greenhouses. However, I did not hear one farmer complain the entire day (while the interns and I were sweating and exhausted!). These farmers constantly had a smile on their faces and it really touched my heart to see them be so proud to be employed by Smile Farms.
Another exciting milestone of my internship was working to help organize the Smile Farms Summer Soiree in Long Beach. This purpose of this event is to encourage our partners and supporters to network with each other while raising money for the farms through donations and raffles. The event went off without a hitch and is something we are all proud to have worked on.
In the short time that I have been a part of the team, I can tell that Smile Farms has given their farmer family a hope for a better life. Many people aren’t aware that 80% of developmentally disabled adults are unemployed. The rate of unemployment shocked me and solidified the importance for organizations like Smile Farms.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post – Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter or Instagram to learn more about our team, volunteer, or visit. Any contribution big or small makes a difference in the lives of our amazing farmers. I hope to continue to volunteer and spread smiles this summer and beyond!
During my first month with the organization, I was able to visit the Farm in Moriches, NY with all the 1-800-Flowers.com interns. I was blown away by the beauty of the bustling and organized farm. The first thing I thought about when I arrived was the pictures don’t do this place justice. I was able to work side by side with the farmers and really get an idea of what a day at the farm is like for them. Let me just say, I have a found a new appreciation for everything these farmers and Smile Farms employees do. For example, during my visit yesterday it was 93 degrees outside – meaning it was even hotter inside the greenhouses. However, I did not hear one farmer complain the entire day (while the interns and I were sweating and exhausted!). These farmers constantly had a smile on their faces and it really touched my heart to see them be so proud to be employed by Smile Farms.
Another exciting milestone of my internship was working to help organize the Smile Farms Summer Soiree in Long Beach. This purpose of this event is to encourage our partners and supporters to network with each other while raising money for the farms through donations and raffles. The event went off without a hitch and is something we are all proud to have worked on.
In the short time that I have been a part of the team, I can tell that Smile Farms has given their farmer family a hope for a better life. Many people aren’t aware that 80% of developmentally disabled adults are unemployed. The rate of unemployment shocked me and solidified the importance for organizations like Smile Farms.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post – Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter or Instagram to learn more about our team, volunteer, or visit. Any contribution big or small makes a difference in the lives of our amazing farmers. I hope to continue to volunteer and spread smiles this summer and beyond!
Breann Lydon
Smile Farms Inc. Intern
