Week three already. We’re glad you’re here.
As always, this is your quick look at what’s happening at the farm - what’s growing (literally and figuratively), what we’ve been up to, what’s coming next, a small moment of joy, and a short “Did You Know?” to wrap it up.
If something catches your eye, sparks a question, or makes you want to learn more, reach out. We’re always just an email away.
Thanks for being part of this community.
Let’s dig in. |
From microgreens to the table. In our very first issue of The Weekly Dirt, we shared that radish microgreens were just getting started. This week, they made their way into the kitchen.
We turned those peppery little greens into a simple radish butter and spread it over toasted crostini. Bright, fresh, and just the right amount of bite - proof that even the smallest harvest can make a big impact.
There’s something satisfying about watching the full cycle unfold. Seeded. Grown. Harvested. Shared. |
If you’d like to try it at home, here’s the recipe we used:
Radish Microgreen Butter
-
½ pound unsalted butter, softened
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup loosely packed radish microgreens
-
Freshly ground pepper (and additional salt to taste)
Finely chop the microgreens and mix everything together by hand, with a fork, or with a mixer until well combined. Use right away on warm bread, or roll into wax paper and refrigerate until firm.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. A small reminder that what’s growing here often makes its way to the table. |
Wednesday marked an important milestone at the farm: our first official seeding day of the 2026 season!
While winter still had a firm grip outside, the greenhouse told a different story. Tables filled with trays. Soil was measured and leveled. Seeds, small and unassuming, were placed carefully into each cell. It was steady, focused work. Work that doesn’t look dramatic, but quietly sets everything in motion.
Every growing season starts this way. Not with towering plants or full harvest bins, but with patience and preparation. With people willing to show up, get their hands in the soil, and believe in what’s coming next. |
In the weeks ahead, these seeds will sprout, strengthen, and eventually make their way into the fields. But for now, they rest in warm soil under greenhouse light (well... warmth mat) the very first chapter of the season.
And just like that, we’re growing again. |
|
The Arc of Monroe will be joining us to share information about their employment services and supports. This will be a chance to learn what employment readiness can look like, what kinds of supports exist, and how people of all abilities can be supported in finding and keeping meaningful work. There will be time to ask questions and talk through real-world concerns- whether you’re exploring options for yourself, a family member, or someone you support.
The presentation will be led by Charis Happ, LMSW, Director of Transition Services at Job Path (a division of The Arc of Monroe). Charis brings nearly a decade of experience in supported employment, transition programs, and job coaching, and works closely with individuals, families, and teams to help people move toward employment that fits their strengths and goals.
Schedule
This event is free and open to the public (registration required).
Event will take place in the main farmhouse — please park by the farm store and walk across. |
ROC Strong Club’s Greatest Charity Workout is a one-hour community fitness event that brings people together to move, connect, and support a good cause. This special workout benefits Homesteads for Hope, a Rochester-based nonprofit community farm focused on building inclusive spaces where people of all abilities feel welcomed, valued, and connected. Every movement helps support programs and classes that create real opportunities for belonging and growth right here in our community.
Expect red-carpet entrances, DJ-driven vibes, confetti blasts, epic group finishers, and an atmosphere that feels more like a celebration than a workout. Bold, inclusive, and built to make a massive impact in just 60 minutes, this event proves that fitness can be powerful, joyful, and purpose-driven.
This marks our second year partnering together, and we’re coming back bigger, louder, and more impactful than ever. Together, ROC Strong Club and Homesteads for Hope are working to build inclusive community and ensure people of all abilities feel seen, supported, and valued. |
Our Learning Kitchen is a favorite space for many of the students at Homesteads for Hope - a place for creativity, confidence, and connection.
This smile from Kristinia says it all, and felt like the perfect choice for this week’s Moment of Joy. |
|
Did you know? Microgreens are nutrient-dense and often contain higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants than their fully grown vegetable counterparts. Small in size, big in impact. |
If you would like to give feedback on this newsletter,
please reach out to: info@homesteadsforhope.org |
|
|
