About Us

Our Story

How Bridges of Hope Farm Was Born: A Mother’s Mission of Love and Purpose

You always have dreams of what life might look like when you become a parent. For me, I dreamed of raising a son—doing all the “boy things,” watching him grow, cheering him on through school, and one day seeing him become a husband and a man of his own.

Brenan was meeting milestones, learning, growing—until one day, everything changed. Suddenly, he began to forget what he had learned. Deep down, I knew something was wrong. After pushing past wait-and-see advice, I contacted early intervention and had his hearing checked. At 2½, Brenan was diagnosed with Autism and what was then called “mental retardation”—a label I hope one day we can replace with something more compassionate.

I was devastated. I felt lost and alone, not knowing how to help him or what our future would look like.

Everything shifted the day I attended a conference funded by a program that changed our lives. I heard Temple Grandin speak, and in that moment, hope was planted. Hearing how her parents supported her gave me courage.

Brenan thrived for a time, until one day he was hurt by a substitute teacher—an experience that stole his sense of safety and made trusting others nearly impossible. We tried therapy. We tried to find help. But the support we needed never lasted.

So, I decided to build what we couldn’t find.

Bridges of Hope Farm

was born from that love—a sensory farm for Autistic children and adults. A place where they can feel safe, be themselves, and find joy and purpose on their own terms.

This farm isn’t just our dream—it’s our mission. And we hope you’ll walk this journey with us.

Mission and Values

Our mission is to bridge the gap of isolation by fostering a community where individuals with special needs feel safe, accepted, and valued.

We are committed to providing sensory-friendly experiences that promote learning, personal growth, and genuine connections.

Our core values include:

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Inclusivity: Creating a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of their abilities.​Empowerment: Encouraging individuals to explore, learn, and build confidence.​Community: Building strong relationships among participants, families, staff, and volunteers.​Respect: Honoring the unique perspectives and contributions of each individual.

Leann – Founder

Leann's personal journey as a special needs mother inspired the establishment of Bridges of Hope Farm.

Her passion lies in creating a nurturing space where individuals with special needs can flourish.

Leann oversees the farm's programs and ensures that every visitor feels welcomed and supported.

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