Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 60 JERSEY SHORE PROFILE ALLAIRE COMMUNITY FARM, continued from page 59 barn, donated by John and Jill Shibles; a farm museum barn, donat- ed by Friends of the Spring Lake Five; the picnic pavilion, donated by Robert and Lorraine McGirr of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home; and an indoor animal barn, donated by Barbara and Donald Clayton. Supporting Special Needs Populations and At-Risk Teens With New Jersey rated as hav- ing one of the largest special-needs populations in the nation, Allaire Community Farm tends to that growing need at the Jersey Shore by providing a place filled with opportu- nities. "One of our program partici- pants became part of our farm family full-time after aging out of his school program at twenty-one-years-old," Burney said. The Farm also works with men- tal health agencies in Monmouth County to provide a place where at-risk teens suffering from anxi- ety and depression can volunteer their time and, in turn, improve their confidence and self-esteem. Burney shared the story of Sarah, a fourteen-year-old feeder volunteer who first met the resident cow, Lola Grace, when she was eleven years old. "When Sarah is here, Lola Grace works her magic, and the farm heals her. That's the beauty of this place," Burney said. "We only provide the venue and the environment, and the healing—it just happens." Pivoting During the Pandemic Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a major loss in donations and revenue that fund the farm's operations, including the cancellation of the annual Hoedown fundraiser and their temporary clo- sure due to shut-down orders. "The whole key to being successful as a non-profit, especially during a pan- demic, is to be flexible and pivot as needed," Burney said. Pivoting for the farm resulted in opening an organic produce market and providing con- tactless shopping. In addition, the farm allowed local vendors to sell homemade goods such as honey, candles, and baked goods in the farm's on-site market once they were allowed to reopen, which turned into a win-win for everyone. "We've got a date for our 2021 Hoedown (Saturday, August 21), and we hope it will be able to go on as scheduled," Burney said. Programs and Community Resources Allaire Community Farm is open six days a week and provides a num- ber of resources and programs for the community while continually expand- ing and fine-tuning its offerings. Farm Market. The farm market is open during operating hours and sells fresh produce, eggs, fair-trade products, seasonal items, and goods from local vendors. Petting Zoo. Zoo tours, barrel train rides, wagon rides, and more are available during operating hours thanks to the multitude of volun- teers who help man the various attractions. Almost all of the animals were rescued from former neglectful situations. Visitors will encounter Nigerian Dwarf goats, sheep, chick- ens, rabbits, guinea hens, ducks, geese, Tofu the Turkey, a donkey, a nine-hundred-pound pig named Lily (who herself was rescued from a slaughter house), Al the Alpaca, Lola Grace the cow, and a number of horses. To help defer costs related to the care and feeding of the rescued ani- mals, the petting zoo entrance fee is $5. per adult and $3. per child. All guests need to check-in at the farm market upon arrival. Animal feed can be purchased for $2. a bag and can only be used for the animals in the Items for sale at the farm market. Jill Ocone The farm museum barn and barrel train. Jill Ocone

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