Abijah Gattis
Reflections on the Collaborative Farm Workday with El Futuro
August 24, 2026
It’s so nice to get to sit down and reflect on the CANDOR Farm workday with El Futuro who brought out kids and families who are part of their ADHD program. El Futuro is a mental health clinic with a strong focus on identity, community building and culturally responsive services, nurturing families to heal together through clinical services and community enrichment activities. They approached us with the desire to have a bilingual workday that would provide space for families in the program to be outside in an inclusive environment.
We took the meaning of inclusive very broadly. The farm has an open grassy lawn where Lucia, Carlos and Miguelina set up a tent and games where kids could relax and play. Meanwhile Lucia kindly translated for me and everyone did such a great job transplanting okra (which have been doing really well!)
It’s always great to create space for marginalized people in the garden. With the way the world treats farm workers we didn’t want the event to feel prescribed or forced so I was very grateful that our friends brought toys. It felt easeful when those who wanted to garden headed up the hill where the garden beds are. Parents helped kids with weeding the sunflowers, collards, and okra that were growing. We noticed rain coming in and wanted to use the fertilizer Lucia made out of nettle and dandelions so I pointed out nettle to the group and started demonstrating how we transplant the okra.
Basically, we start by digging a hole about 8 inches deep and wide then gently separate the young okra plant from its container and loosen the roots by rolling them around in our hands and shaking off the dirt. Next we poured a little fertilizer and water into the hole and finally planted the okra by holding onto it while piling and packing dirt around it. Does that make any sense? Come to the farm and we’ll show you in real life!
I love making accommodations at the farm because it feels like there are less rules when we’re outside. I love being with other disabled people and POC because we’re so adaptable. The bottom fell out of the sky and suddenly it was pouring. The kids loved it and it brought me much joy to witness them. And nature told us it was time to pack it in.It’s so nice to get to sit down and reflect on the CANDOR Farm workday with El Futuro who brought out kids and families who are part of their ADHD program. El Futuro is a mental health clinic with a strong focus on identity, community building and culturally responsive services, nurturing families to heal together through clinical services and community enrichment activities. They approached us with the desire to have a bilingual workday that would provide space for families in the program to be outside in an inclusive environment.
We took the meaning of inclusive very broadly. The farm has an open grassy lawn where Lucia, Carlos and Miguelina set up a tent and games where kids could relax and play. Meanwhile Lucia kindly translated for me and everyone did such a great job transplanting okra (which have been doing really well!)
It’s always great to create space for marginalized people in the garden. With the way the world treats farm workers we didn’t want the event to feel prescribed or forced so I was very grateful that our friends brought toys. It felt easeful when those who wanted to garden headed up the hill where the garden beds are. Parents helped kids with weeding the sunflowers, collards, and okra that were growing. We noticed rain coming in and wanted to use the fertilizer Lucia made out of nettle and dandelions so I pointed out nettle to the group and started demonstrating how we transplant the okra.
Basically, we start by digging a hole about 8 inches deep and wide then gently separate the young okra plant from its container and loosen the roots by rolling them around in our hands and shaking off the dirt. Next we poured a little fertilizer and water into the hole and finally planted the okra by holding onto it while piling and packing dirt around it. Does that make any sense? Come to the farm and we’ll show you in real life!
I love making accommodations at the farm because it feels like there are less rules when we’re outside. I love being with other disabled people and POC because we’re so adaptable. The bottom fell out of the sky and suddenly it was pouring. The kids loved it and it brought me much joy to witness them. And nature told us it was time to pack it in.