Our History

High Spirit Community Farm was founded by a group of families seeking a safe, healthy, joyful, and supportive community for their young adult children with significant special needs. We wanted our children to share a home with others and to learn from people of all abilities, and to participate in a meaningful way in the world around them. But we knew that there were limited options available for our children given their particular needs. 

Initially inspired by the Camphill communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities live and work together, our group began to meet and plan in 2004. We chose to locate in Great Barrington, Massachusetts because of its vibrant town, farm and community life and because it is a welcoming environment for persons with disabilities.

High Spirit’s first home, Seekonk House, opened its doors to staff and residents four years later, in 2008. Our second home, Aurora House, opened in 2016, and our third home, Tembo House, in 2018. We now have seven residents with IDD, a day program participant, 9 full-time staff and eight year-long international coworkers. We also have dogs, cats, lizards, goats, pigs and chickens. High Spirit Community Farm is a vibrant place indeed! 

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) supports High Spirit Community Farm and provides oversight and licensing. Our residents receive funding from DDS and from the Social Security Administration.