Thanksgiving Farm at the Center for Discovery

Sullivan County, NY

The Center for Discovery® is improving the local and state economy, the fields of education, healthcare and research, and most of all, the lives of individuals with complex conditions, such as autism. The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around the region and world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research.

The Department of Nourishment Arts (D.N.A.) is the food and agricultural backbone for The Center for Discovery® and Thanksgiving Farm® encompasses over 300 certified organic acres. Each year, the Farm grows over 60 different kinds of vegetables, flowers, and herbs, and is home to three orchards. The farms boast several species of livestock including beef cattle, laying hens, pigs, as well as bees for honey.

Patrick H. Dollard is the CEO. As one of the field’s most innovative and disruptive visionaries, Mr. Dollard is an internationally recognized thought leader in the development of new models of care. The Chief of Nourishment Arts at the Center is renowned chef Cesare Casella who leads the food program and is also an accomplished maker of America’s finest prosciutto.

An Apprenticeship at the Center would include living on the Center grounds and working on the farms with chefs and farmers to provide nourishment to the residents and to local members of the Sullivan County community.

Thanksgiving Farm® serves a dual role at the Center. The first is to provide quality food for those they care for. The Farm is certified organic as well as Demeter Certified Biodynamic, and both certifications ensure they are following the highest standards in terms of food quality and land stewardship. Additionally, the cows are 100% grass fed and all livestock is pasture raised.

The second role of the Farm is to provide meaningful work opportunities for students and residents, known as farm participation. They utilize the Farm for students as a green classroom space, which helps students learn in a reduced stress environment. In the adult program, farm work is directed toward skill acquisition which can ultimately translate to vocational opportunities for the adult population.

The Center for Discovery®, designated as a Center of Excellence by the New York State Department of Health and OPWDD, is a major research and specialty center that offers residential, medical, clinical and special education programs as well as world-class Music and Creative Arts Therapy, Adapted Physical Education, and a biodynamic agricultural program among other unique services.