
Photograph of the Fall 2023 Day of Service Group at the Red Tomato Farm & Inn
By Fiona Tierney '24
Nestled in the Cumberland Valley, Red Tomato Farm and Inn is home to inclusion and empowerment for adults with intellectual disabilities. Upon entrance, visitors are greeted by a joyous group of members who enthusiastically welcome newcomers in and show them all that Red Tomato Farm has to offer.
The program was founded by Dr. Howard Rosen, a visionary, community psychologist, Dickinson Psychology professor, and owner of Hempfield Behavioral Health, who is dedicated to fostering belonging and meaningful engagement for marginalized communities.
Built in 1870, the Farm sits on five acres in Newville, Pennsylvania. The property includes a 400-square-foot greenhouse, barn, pastures, garden workspace, craft space, and kitchen. The farm includes an Inn Bed & Breakfast that is open to the public year-round. The vocational program provides adults with intellectual disabilities “meaningful work rooted in farm tasks that create opportunities to interact with the general public and community.”
Red Tomato Farm represents not just a place of employment, but a thriving community where individuals with disabilities find purpose, dignity, and connection. Dr. Rosen's journey towards creating Red Tomato Farm was “really born out of the bedrock principles of community psychology,” a field deeply rooted in advocating for marginalized communities and prioritizing preventative measures over treatment.
“You can pick any marginalized community and try dropping them into the mainstream. And it doesn't really work. We've tried mainstreaming in education. We've tried integrating. We've tried all kinds of approaches.” Recognizing the limitations of traditional mainstreaming approaches, Rosen envisioned a model of “reverse mainstreaming” where individuals with disabilities are not assimilated into existing structures, but rather, offered an inclusive environment where they can learn critical work skills. A reverse integration model saturates every aspect of Red Tomato Farm. Howard explains “at Red Tomato, participants get lots of the experience that's historically been denied.”
Central to Red Tomato Farm's mission is cultivating work skills and vocational training for its participants. Howard explains, “My canvas is creating work skills training. I teach people the world of work through farms, galleries, and coffee shops.”
Howard explains that “when [the employees] come to the farm, it's as if the veil or the cloud parts, and the sun is shining down on them and they choose what they want to learn.”
Rosen sheds light on wage and hour laws from the 1940s that allow for the exploitation of disabled workers, paying them a fraction of minimum wage. Rosen shares, “I also wanted to work against the laws that were used to keep people with disabilities poor,” at Red Tomato Farm, however, equity and fairness are non-negotiable principles. The Department of Labor set workers’ pay rate at $10.35 per hour at Red Tomato Farm. Red Tomato Farm serves as a testament to Professor Rosen's commitment to rectifying systemic injustices that perpetuate economic disparities among individuals with disabilities.
Red Tomato is “community grounded,” welcoming the public to visit and engage. In September, CCLA (Center for Civic Learning and Action) collaborated with Red Tomato Farm for a Day of Service. This event brought together student volunteers from CCLA to tour the farm, lend a helping hand, and engage with members. At the end, the group gathered to reflect on the experience. In a short morning visit, students echoed a resounding feeling of inclusivity and joy at Red Tomato. CCLA will once again be partnering with Howard Rosen and the Red Tomato Farm this coming September as CCLA’s first Day of Service opportunity in the Fall 2024 semester.
Howard Rosen continues to effervescently share his hope for community growth, equity, and inclusion. Rosen hopes to grow more community and light in the future. Among a myriad of programs and supports through Hempfield Behavioral Health his latest project is a new gallery and coffee shop called Gallery 304 in downtown Selinsgrove that emulates the Red Tomato’s model.
With Dr. Howard Rosen's leadership and vision, Red Tomato Farm continues to sow seeds of empowerment, growth, and inclusivity, enriching the lives of all who visit.
Find more information about Red Tomato Farm here: http://www.hempfieldpa.com/red-tomato-farm---inn-program.html
For more information and to sign up for the next Day of Service with the Red Tomato Farm, please visit the CCLA EngageD event!