WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A nonprofit in Orange County is getting an upgrade by moving to a new site nearly three times the size of their current space.

What You Need To Know

Special Hearts Farm was founded to provide job opportunties for adults with disabilities

More than 50 farmers care for their animals on property, a 5-acre lot in Winter Garden

Program leaders say they’ve acquired a 19-acre property to expand their programming and create housing for some of their farmers

Their goal is to move in early 2027

Special Hearts Farm was created to provide job opportunities for adults with disabilities. It started as a collaboration with Orange County Public Schools at Dr. Phillips High School, but founders say they noticed some students needed help transitioning to work after graduating, so the program builds skills in farming and gardening.

The property, located along Maple Street in Winter Garden, has more than 80 animals and 50 farmers caring for them. Jade McFarland says she started there five years ago and is now employed there.

“I love that I come here for the ADT program, and I love coming and working with the animals, and mostly just chilling,” said McFarland.

Their workload will increase in the next few years, when the farm relocates eight miles over to a larger property. Leaders say it was acquired through a land swap — they originally had land in Mount Dora, but wanted to remain in Winter Garden.

Jennifer Elliot, vice president of Special Hearts Farm, says the 19-acre property will give staff space for more pastures and greenhouses. An event space will be used for events such as farmers markets. It will also provide housing for some members.

“We’ll also be providing housing for some of our special-needs adults, so we’ll really be able to expand on what we’re doing now to serve more special-needs adults in our community,” said Elliot.

Special Hearts Farm president Kathy Meena says the farmers are excited about what’s coming.

“We’ve taken all the farmers out there to see the new property and to see the beautiful pasture land and just the expansiveness of it and how much more opportunity they’re all going to have,” said Meena. “I think it’s really brought a lot of joy and hope.”

The nonprofit has kicked off its annual fundraiser this weekend to help with operational costs.

Meena says the team is hoping to move into the new space in early 2027, since planning and construction are still underway.