Didi Dowling had earned her master’s degree in social work and was all set to follow the traditional therapy path, sitting in an office and chatting with folks on a couch. As a farm kid who participated in rodeo and 4H, something about this direction didn’t quite feel right. She wanted to find a way back to the farm and a way for her clients to be introduced to the farming lifestyle she was raised in.
So in 2019, she started a non-profit vocational farm, Live Learn and Lead, focused on the healing power of hard work (like farm chores and taking care of animals) and dedicated to transforming the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.
“Work has positive effects on mental health, including improving medication compliance, lessening of symptoms, and reducing the number of relapses,” reads the non-profit’s website. “Through meaningful work, our clients learn personal responsibility, establish a routine to encourage structuring of their time, learn to stop focusing on symptoms, and make meaningful contributions to life.”
Located in Hampshire (Kane County), Live Learn and Lead offers a variety of programming for children, adults, and the wider community. These include six-week agricultural education courses, an onsite grief group, goat yoga, and Goat Grams. They also partner with the Hampshire Park District and local 4H club on programming. The community’s response has been enthusiastic and supportive. In 2021, Didi was nominated for the Hometown Hero award from the local radio station.
Didi currently leases a five-acre farm in Hampshire, which has given her a great opportunity to start the business and build a strong reputation.
She is now looking for the non-profit’s forever farm where Live Learn and Lead can put down permanent roots and continue to expand its programs to serve more individuals in need.
Didi is looking to purchase a farm in Kane or McHenry County that includes:
- Housing
- Infrastructure for 4 horses and 15 goats
- Space for vocational training, agriculture, and community programs
- Public access to the property
If you know of a farm that would be a good fit, we encourage you to reach out to Didi. Please also help us spread the word around Kane and McHenry County to find any potential leads or strong connections. You can get in touch with her directly at [email protected].
“Live Learn and Lead wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in someone’s life impacting the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world,” said Didi. “Together we can continue to create opportunities and make a difference in our community!”