Laura Long, Account Executive, HSF Health Plan, presenting a grant of €13,500 to Alison Nolan, Chairperson, and Debbie Kelleher, Care Coordinator, Down Syndrome Cork.
Empowering Families
Down Syndrome Cork is dedicated to improving the quality of life of members and their families, helping them lead happy, healthy, and productive lives. DS Cork is a volunteer, parent-led organisation that aims to support people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Building Life Skills
Field of Dreams is a purpose-built centre by Down Syndrome Cork, Ireland. The initiative aims to create a training and employment facility for adults with DS. The project aims to develop horticulture, agriculture, and life skills, offering adults with Down Syndrome opportunities for sustainable, paid employment.
DS Cork provides courses designed specifically for adults to provide them with the skills and experience needed to reach their potential. Some will move towards a life of greater independence and self-reliance, while others will transition into paid work. The project receives support from the Munster Agricultural Society, which receives funding from the Department of Agriculture.
Young adults engage in horticulture and agriculture activities, focusing on the farm-to-fork approach. Department of Agriculture funding is vital, and their status as farmers obtaining land from Munster Agriculture is pivotal for continued support.
Protecting the Chicken Coop
However, they have faced challenges with a vulnerable chicken coop constantly threatened by animals and mink attacks. This unfortunate situation led to the destruction of all their chickens, jeopardising a key aspect of their farming activities.
The facility has planned to construct a reinforced chicken coop to address this issue. The proposed design involves using thicker steel and reinforcing the structure with cement to create a secure environment that prevents animal access.
The Grant
The Hospital Saturday Fund presented a grant of €13,500 to Down Syndrome Ireland. This grant will help DS Cork to extend the area and ensure the safety of the chicken coop, which is crucial not only for the animals’ well-being but also for maintaining the facility’s financial stability. This will significantly contribute to sustaining Field of Dreams’ farming operations and the overall mission of empowering young adults through agricultural activities.
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