How do you have a meaningful day when you have a significant disability?
For the past decade, The Founders of Santa Cruz’s Common Roots Farm have been on an odyssey to answer this question.
Heidi Cartan and Phillipe Habib are the parents of two children, one of whom is significantly disabled. Recognizing the grim realities of our system’s failure to protect the vulnerable, they were determined to provide a safe and meaningful future for their son with Cerebral Palsy.
Along the way, they gathered a cohort of dedicated parents who also had children with disabilities, and together, they have built a thriving Farm business as well as a housing community, where people with disabilities join with others to grow healthy food and beautiful flowers, while forging friendships and a community that sustains everyone.
A Hardworking Farmer at Common Roots Farm
Dear Christine,
First off, are you a Barrington from Watsonville? I have known a few of them…
Secondly, and more importantly, your story on Common Roots Farm was FANTASTIC!!! I may not be subjective, since I am a Board Member/volunteer of CRF, but I finally was able to listen to your interview tonight, and felt as though you absolutely captured the heart of the farm (and pocket neighborhood affiliated). What a fantastic journalistic effort on your part!
I loved your calm tone and interviews of the participants, and appreciated the birdsong and other farm sounds in the story. It truly is an immersive environment.
This story made me want to reach out and suggest to you to apply for an Edward R. Morrow award. I know that KAZU has bragged about their award (which they deserved), but I felt that your report was equally compelling, and should be submitted. I would be willing to provide the application fee, should you decide to apply. Please contact me at: Dyelindsay57@gmail.com if you are interested.
Best regards,
Lindsay
PS-my son was a volunteer, then the first intern, and then the first employee at CRF, so I have a stake in their success! He is no longer affiliated, but I am. Full disclosure.
Thanks for your generous feedback Lindsay! It was a joy to interview folks at Common Roots and I am thrilled you enjoyed the story so much.