In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we wanted to highlight some of the amazing workers at Smile Farms at IGHL (Independent Group Home Living). Smile Farms is a non-profit organization that employs developmentally disabled adults to give them meaningful work opportunities and allows them grow and sell flowers and plants in the community where they live. To get a better feel for the importance of this initiative, we wanted to share with you what the farmers had to say about their job. It #MadeMeSmile, it makes them smile, and we wanted to share that smile with you, too. Here is what they had to say:

Smile Farms at IGHL Sign

Edie, Farmer

“My favorite flower is the Easter lily. They smell so good! I take them home to my brother and he loves them. Giving a gift to my brother #MadeMeSmile.”

Edie at Smile Farms

James

“I’m saving my paycheck to go on vacation to the outer banks. I went there last year and I like it because it’s quiet and I get to be outside a lot. ”

James at Smile Farms

Alex

“I’m saving my paychecks for a quad and dirtbikes. Right now I have a go kart which I take on the trails in the woods. I love getting dirty which is my favorite part about work, too. I love it here! ”

Alex at Smile Farms

Cheryl

“I’ve been working here for about 10 years and my favorite part is working with the dirt. I put the dirt into pots and then we give it to someone else who puts the plant in. We work as a team and all of the people here are so nice, which makes me happy!”

Cheryl at Smile Farms

Michelle

“My favorite part about working here is that there are nice people and nice staff. I like helping the customers too and sometimes I help them put the flowers and plants in their car.”

Michelle at Smile Farms

Nick

“I grow the microgreens and I call restaurants to tell them about it. I grew microgreens for the chef for our [Smile Farms fundraising] party this past September!”

Nick at Smile Farms

More About National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Disability Employment Awareness month is celebrating 70 years of awareness. Click here to learn more about this important initiative on the U.S. Department of Labor’s official site.

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