Empowerment Farm Nurtures Naples

Empowerment Farm, a hidden oasis located at the heart of Naples, eagerly awaits community members to reap the literal and figurative fruits of its labor. Tiffany Lehman and Ashleigh Dickinson, co-founders of Empowerment Farm, created the homestead with intentions of providing a haven for those seeking peace, education, and empowerment through sustainable living. The nonprofit organization aims to redefine how humans engage with nature, animals, and each other through hands-on educational outreach programs. Empowerment Farm invites people from all backgrounds, at any age, to take a break from the fast-paced bustle of modern life and return to their roots. 

Dickinson grew up in a household where self-reliance was a way of life. “My mom was frequently gardening and canning, a very self-sufficient woman,” she recalls, explaining how these skills carried through adulthood. Dickinson continued to study zoology, working at Miami Zoo and Naples Zoo for seven years - she enjoyed every minute of caring for the animals. Lehman’s background in equine care and philanthropic spirit called her to community service. “I wanted this generation of kids to have the opportunity to go outside, play, and get dirty,” Lehman shares, “caring for something bigger than them - that’s what I wanted to offer.” With their combined knowledge and deep-rooted passion for plants, animals, and community, they knew Naples needed a transformative space like Empowerment Farm. Through collaborating with various homesteads who shared similar values and experiencing the benefits of self-sufficiency themselves, their desire to lead others on the path of well-being and sustainability grew. 

One of the standout features of Empowerment Farm is its expansive food forest. Unlike traditional farming, where crops are planted in rows, the food forest is designed to be self-sustaining. “Everything is planted specifically to contribute to its neighbors. For example, trees that need more shade will be planted next to a tree that branches out,” explains Lehman. Polyculture, or growing multiple crops together, maintains nutrient-rich soil, prevents erosion, and enhances biodiversity. "Food forests take some time to establish, but once they’re set up, they’re pretty much self-sustaining,” Dickinson said. The food forest not only provides fresh produce but also serves as a powerful teaching tool, showcasing an alternative to conventional farming practices, which often have negative impacts on the environment. 

Livestock also play a vital role in maintaining the health of Empowerment Farm’s ecosystem. The farm is home to retired dairy goats that graze and provide manure, which contributes to soil fertility. Additionally, chickens not only lay eggs for human consumption but aerate the soil and keep pests under control. “There’s an incredible benefit to the symbiotic relationship between plants and animals,” Lehman points out. “There was nothing in Naples that showcased that. In a lot of research, many things are animal-based or horticulture-based, but rarely is there a blend of those elements together. There is an empowering element that comes from combining those.” 

Empowerment Farm’s harmonious interaction between animals and the land reflects the message Lehman and Dickinson set out to share. When people work with nature instead of against it, everything has a purpose and takes care of each other. “An environment that feeds itself is symbiotic, everything is contributing to each other as part of a cycle,” Dickinson adds. “That’s truly what sustainability is.” Empowerment Farm focuses on balancing human and animal needs with the preservation of the environment to ensure that future generations can appreciate a thriving planet. Lehman believes education is paramount to practicing sustainability, reiterating, “We must educate ourselves on ways to grow food and animals with awareness of the whole picture together.” 

That’s why Empowerment Farm’s primary focus is on educational programs. With a diverse range of opportunities for people of all ages and interests, Empowerment Farm aims to cultivate a stronger community by planting seeds of empowerment, compassion, and self-reliance. From their Nutrition programs, which focus on how to preserve food, to their Farmyard Tales program, which teaches kids about farm life through books, music, and animal interactions, the farm offers a range of opportunities for hands-on learning. One of the most memorable programs, Dickinson recalls, was their Farms Without Fences initiative. “At the end of our impact study, we asked the kids to use one word to describe how they felt, and the answers were inspiring. ‘Self-confident,’ ‘educated,’ and ‘fulfilled’ were some of the words they used.” 

As Empowerment Farm approaches its two-year anniversary, Lehman and Dickinson are focused on growing both the farm and its community impact. They aim to acquire an additional five acres to expand their plant and animal offerings, as well as to create a community garden. Lehman envisions a farm that becomes a hub for environmental education and relaxation. “Gardening and animal husbandry melts away everything else,” Dickinson said. “I don’t think a lot of people know that this peace is within their reach. No matter the size of the property, you can lead a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. People just need some guidance, and that’s what we want to provide.”

Empowerment Farm stands as a powerful testament to what it means to be stewards of the environment. By encouraging people to reconnect with the earth through sustainable farming and education, Lehman and Dickinson are fostering a holistic approach that highlights the interconnection between people and nature. As Dickinson puts it, "Something is changing in your body when you do earth-centric things. It’s odd how quickly you improve just by going backward a little bit." The farm's mission is a gentle reminder that instant gratification isn’t always necessary, and the journey itself is where real growth occurs. Through minimizing waste, regenerating natural systems, and protecting ecosystems, Empowerment Farm inspires a return to fundamental values. It’s not just about agriculture - it’s about cultivating a mindset that empowers individuals to connect with nature, each other, and, ultimately, themselves.

Join Empowerment Farm in its inaugural Fall Festival on Saturday, November 2nd. This family-friendly event will feature a pumpkin patch, a market, and a variety of autumn-themed activities, making it the perfect day out for all ages. Leading up to the main event, the farm will open the pumpkin patch on Saturdays and Sundays from October 12th to November 2nd. Visitors can also enjoy freshly baked goods and explore sponsorship opportunities. Businesses and individuals can sponsor various farm features, such as the future barn, garden beds, or the food forest, adding a unique community touch to the farm's growth.

To register for upcoming classes and events, learn about sponsorship and funding opportunities, or earn service hours through volunteering at the farm contact Empowerment Farm, 2600 Garland Road, Naples, Florida, 34117. 239-330-2777, info@empowermentfarm.org. https://empowermentfarm.org/.