Fleurish Program
Keenly aware of the limited opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to find purpose and belonging after aging out of the school system, Posy founder Lucie Wade decided to take action. Working alongside her brother Harris—who has Fragile X Syndrome—she quickly saw the profound impact a social agriculture model of flower farming could have.
The Fleurish program is our answer to to systemic discrimination facing people with disabilities.
Pictured above: Harris Wade, 44, with Fragile-X Syndrome, selling bouquets at the market with his sister Lucie. Photo credit: TracyEmployment Stream
In collaboration with Ometz Supported Employment Services, Posy offers paid employment to two Fleurish co-farmers.
Together, we consider their current abilities, interests, and goals, then co-create an individualized program that will support them to, well, flourish in their position!
Each day at the farm is a fresh opportunity to develop skills—ranging from fine motor to professional—spend time outdoors (beyond institutional settings), meet and engage with customers and visitors, and experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from contributing to the day-to-day operations of an urban flower farm.
Day Program Stream - Pilot Phase
Recognizing the need for skill & vocational training and respite care that exists beyond the job market, we are working to develop a drop-in day program at Posy.
If this resonates with you, we’d love to get to know you!
Testimonials
“Working in the Flourish Program at Posy Farms has given my sister Jessica something truly special - a sense of purpose that continued to bloom brighter and grander every day. One example that always comes to mind is the sunflowers she planted this past summer. She cared for them with so much pride, learning new skills along the way. Jess watched as the flowers grew taller and stronger, similar to the personal growth I watched Jessica have while working at the farm.
By the fall, Jessica was able to pick one of those sunflowers herself and turn it into a beautiful bouquet that she gifted to our grandma currently fighting breast cancer. Seeing her hold something she had nurtured from seed to blossom felt like a perfect reflection of her own personal journey - Her growth in confidence, independence, purpose and ultimately joy! Something that any guardian would hope for.
The farm has not only given her meaningful work, but also a place where she can shine. The Fleurish Program at Posy Farm is more than a workplace—it's a garden where individuals with various needs are caringly planted, nurtured, and given the sunlight they deserve. With guidance and compassion, they blossom, each one adding their own color and strength to the field around them. My most sincere gratitude goes out to Lucie and her team who continue to make this possible for gardeners like my sister Jessica.”
-Kayla Rawding, Fleurish Employee Guardian
Pictured above: Jessica proudly displaying her harvest of celosia, surrounded by her colleagues. From left- right: Yoriko, Volunteer; Jessica, Fleurish Co-Farmer; Lucie Wade, Founder; Ellis, Fleurish Co-Farmer. Photo credit: Sheldon Levy“Posy Flower Farm’s Fleurish program is an exceptional model of what supportive, purposeful employment can look like.
The environment and tasks are designed so neurodivergent adults can learn, thrive, and contribute in meaningful ways.
Posy allows neurodivergent adults to succeed, grow, and contribute to the community.
I have seen myself the confidence working at Posy gives to adults entering the workforce.
I am grateful for such a structured and adaptive business!”
- Caroline Mosel,
Ometz Supported Empoyment Program Job Coach
Pictured above: Two Fleurish Co-Farmer's, sorting tulip bulbs in preparation for fall planting. Photo credit: Lucie Wade
