By Marlee Jackson

Simple moments yield great joy at Next Step Farms in Madison County.

“I’m thankful I got to hold a baby chicken,” farm client Morgan said during lunch, a family affair where friends, staff and guests gather, voice something for which they’re grateful and enjoy a meal.

That morning, Morgan and fellow farm clients gathered eggs, fed livestock and helped build steps for a shed — activities that teach important skills to adults with cognitive disabilities, said farm founder Robin Kramer.

“If our goal is to teach them to be as independent as possible in a home environment, then we need something that provides a lot of opportunities,” Kramer said. “A farm takes it back to the basics. Our society has become too instantaneous. On a farm, you can’t rush it. You’ve got to understand the process from A-Z.”

Farm Foundation

Seeds of inspiration for Next Step Farms were sown over a decade ago. As a special education teacher, Kramer incorporated farming into her middle school course of study. Chickens illustrated the life cycle, while selling eggs taught math and money management.

Years in the classroom also taught Kramer that after age 21, formal education opportunities are slim for students with an IQ below 70.

Then, in 2019, a former student’s mother called Kramer. Graduation was a year away for her son, and she was anxious to maintain structure in his days after high school.

“You said you were going to do something,” the mom reminded Kramer. “I need to know what it is. I need to know my next step.”

Inspired, Kramer responded.

“It’s Next Step Farms,” she said.

Fast-forward to March 13, 2020, when COVID-19 spurred a national emergency — and Kramer realized she could retire. Business plan and license in hand, her next move was finding land in a booming urban area.

Kramer credits her Creator for crafting a scenario where Next Step Farms’ promised impact secured 15 acres at less than asking price.

Lessons Learned

Today, 18 adult clients learn healthy habits on the Madison County homestead.

Structured days mimic that of many jobs, where workers clock in, pour coffee and chat. Then, teams start hustling.

The culinary crew prepares lunch or makes jams, pickles, salsa and more that’s sold on the farm and in markets. Business team members answer phones and clean. Others tend livestock, check fences or work on construction projects.

“I allow my clients to do everything,” Kramer said. “There’s not a mistake around here. Are plates broken and goats let out? Yes! But those are learning opportunities. You and I don’t learn when everything goes right all the time.”

The nonprofit’s helpers include paid staff and volunteers, like Kramer’s parents, Al and Sherry Visone.

“I wasn’t going to volunteer,” Al said. “I didn’t think I had anything to teach them, but they’ve taught me so much instead.”

Clients’ gentle spirits and adaptability similarly impacted volunteer-turned-employee Dwain Clardy. A retired contractor, he helped build Next Step Farms’ office and education building, which opened in 2023.

“The clients just touched my heart, the joy they have being in this place,” Clardy said.

Kramer said five clients, equipped with new skill sets, have already earned jobs off the farm. Two more have moved onto trade school.

Immeasurable Impact

A special couple integral to Next Step Farms’ ministry is farmer Rex Vaughn and his late wife, Kim.

“I could not have done it without them,” Kramer said. “They both believed in what we are doing here. More than being childhood friends with Rex, they were personal friends and role models.”

Kim’s legacy lives on at Next Step Farms — albeit unusually. When Vaughn Farms donated a calf in February, Kramer upheld a farm tradition where significant gifts receive a name that shares their story.

Kimmy the Calf became a fast favorite, Kramer said, with clients and volunteers clamoring to bottle-feed the animal.

Rex said Kramer’s can-do spirit and go-with-the-flow mentality help clients feel loved, valued and capable of accomplishing any task.

It takes a weight off caretakers, too, knowing loved ones are safe, cared for and learning real-life skills.

“When Robin had this idea, I thought it was going to be a heavy lift,” said the Madison County farmer. “She would not quit. She would not be told, ‘No.’ She looks for His direction each and every day to see how she can impact people who are overlooked.”

He continued, “The magic of Next Step Farms is nothing is wrong there. It’s all a learning experience.”