Cultivating confidence at Navarro Farm

The greeting party was a bit unusual, but participants in St. Coletta’s Community Day Services program wouldn’t have it any other way.

As they approached the chicken pen carrying a basket of freshly picked dill, thyme and basil, the hens emerged from every corner of the enclosure, clucking excitedly as they hurried toward their favorite treat.

“Look at that one,” Employment Job Coach & Activity Coordinator Debbie Macenas said as participants scattered sprigs of herbs around the flock. The chickens quickly surrounded them, pecking contentedly at the fresh dill, thyme and basil.

For a second consecutive summer, participants in St. Coletta’s Community Day Services program have returned to Navarro Farm in Frankfort for a six-week rotation, spending one day each week caring for animals, tending raised garden beds and developing practical life skills through hands-on experiences.

Based in Tinley Park, St. Coletta’s of Illinois is a nonprofit organization serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through partnerships like Navarro Farm, the organization creates meaningful opportunities that promote independence, confidence and community inclusion.

Every Tuesday, Macenas takes a small group of participants to the five-acre farm to feed chickens and goats, care for garden beds and tackle seasonal chores. Working from a daily checklist, participants build responsibility, teamwork and problem-solving skills while experiencing the satisfaction of completing meaningful work.

“This is our second year partnering with Navarro Farm, and it’s been wonderful to watch participants become more comfortable and confident with each visit,” Macenas said. “Many of them return knowing exactly what needs to be done. They’re taking ownership of their responsibilities and encouraging one another along the way.”

Founded in 2021 by the Navarro family and inspired by their son, who has Down syndrome, Navarro Farm provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience farm life in a welcoming and supportive environment. The farm has become a place where participants can learn new skills, build friendships and connect with nature.

Beyond the farm chores themselves, participants practice communication, cooperation and independence in an authentic community setting while staying active and enjoying the satisfaction of seeing their work make a difference.

“The farm gives participants a chance to try things they may never have experienced before,” Macenas said. “Whether they’re caring for animals, watering plants or checking tasks off the list, they’re building confidence and discovering what they’re capable of.”

As returning participants, this summer’s group also helps introduce newcomers to the farm, sharing what they have learned and helping others feel comfortable as they begin their own experience.

“I like feeding the chickens and the goats,” said Billy, one of the returning participants. “I look forward to coming every week.”

“I like gardening and seeing the different colors of the plants,” Dee said.

“My favorite animal is the pig,” Ronna said. “But I also like feeding the goats because they follow me around.”

Their excitement reflects exactly what the partnership between St. Coletta’s and Navarro Farm is designed to cultivate: confidence, independence and a sense of belonging through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

To learn more about St. Coletta’s of Illinois and its programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, visit www.stcolettasofil.org or call 708-342-5200.