Clients with disabilities live the farm life in Manhattan area

MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Zeandale Farm clients with disabilities live the farm life near Manhattan.

The Zeandale Farm crew comprises clients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The clients are split into morning and afternoon crews. Their jobs include maintaining the farm. They are paid an hourly wage and supported by farm staff members. 

Clients do everything from collecting eggs to pulling out corn stalks to weeding and mowing the lawn. 27 News spoke with Big Lakes Deputy Director Elizabeth Holle about why this program benefits the clients. 

"It's just more opportunities for people with disabilities who maybe aren't out in front of employment yet," Holle said. "Gaining skills and an income to work more towards independence and inclusion."

27 News also spoke to a client, Alex, and his favorite duck, Helen, about the animals and his job. 

"We have three ducks, 13 chickens and one rooster," Alex said. "I'm supposed to take care of them during the week, to feed them, collect their eggs and stuff."

The clients use the products they grow and collect to turn them into food, house products, canned goods and more. 

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