What happens when autism grows up? Having just assumed leadership of her family business after the sudden death of her father, Jennyrae Brongo found that options were limited for her younger brother Chucky. Yet when she took Chucky to a farm and watched him engage with nature's classroom, a dream was born. She discovered a nationwide movement of intentional agricultural communities for people with autism and was determined to build one in Rochester. Not only has Homesteads for Hope become a place to belong and grow abilities, but by creating micro-enterprises to generate revenue, it is also becoming a place for people of all abilities to work. Tune in to this episode to hear the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce and how Jennyrae is Harvesting Hope for people of all abiltiies!

Jennyrae considers herself a dream builder: as a young entrepreneur, sister to autism, woman in construction and founder of Homesteads for Hope Community Farm, she believes all her life’s work is for one common mission – to build sustainable community. Jennyrae is a Rochester, New York native and the owner of Brongo Contracting & Supply. She is also the founder of Homesteads for Hope, a nonprofit organization founded in May of 2013. Homesteads for Hope is dedicated to the support of young adults with autism and their families, offering a welcoming community environment. In 2016, Homesteads for Hope purchased a fifty-five-acre historic farm in Ogden, New York, which has since transformed into the community’s permanent home.