about us: Planting Seeds of Independence

The Children’s Farm Project is a nonprofit initiative based in Summerton dedicated to creating inclusive learning opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities. Located on 15 acres on Lilly Martin Road, the farm is being developed as a hands-on learning environment where participants can build life skills through activities such as gardening, cooking, entrepreneurship, and animal care. By combining education with outdoor experiences, the program helps individuals grow in confidence, independence, and connection with their community.

The project was founded by retired educator Belva Marlin, who spent a decade teaching in the Guilford County Schools and received the North Carolina Technology Educator Award. Drawing on her lifelong passion for teaching, Marlin envisioned a place where children with disabilities could learn practical skills in a supportive, engaging environment. The farm property itself has deep personal meaning, as it has been passed down through generations of her family and is now being revitalized as a community resource.

Early programs have already demonstrated the impact of this vision. The Children’s Farm Project piloted a special needs summer youth camp where students participated in arts and crafts, music and movement, gardening, and other interactive activities. The program welcomed both special needs students and their peers, emphasizing inclusion and shared learning. Students also explored educational experiences beyond the classroom, including visits to places such as Kaleideum and Reynolda House Museum of American Art to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning.

The mission of the Children’s Farm Project addresses a significant community need. According to data from the South Carolina Labor Market Information (LMI), approximately 5,345 residents of Clarendon County live with a disability, representing about 18% of the population. This includes 203 children, 2,386 working-age adults, and 2,756 seniors. These figures highlight the importance of accessible programs that support skill development, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Community support has played an essential role in bringing the project to life. A $12,500 grant from the The Home Depot Foundation helped fund conservation and beautification efforts at the farm, where volunteers and community members worked together to plant crops, flowers, and pollinator gardens while developing walking trails and animal care areas. These efforts are part of a broader vision that includes indoor and outdoor classrooms, therapeutic gardens, and eventually animal-assisted learning experiences.

At its core, the Children’s Farm Project is about creating a place where everyone belongs. By blending education, agriculture, and community engagement, the organization is building a space where children and young adults with disabilities can develop life skills, discover new interests, and experience the joy of learning in a supportive environment. Through continued partnerships and community involvement, the farm aims to help every participant grow—both literally and figuratively