Together we grow.
The Root Farm brings together the healing power of animals, the wonder of nature, and the strength of community to create opportunities that change lives. It helps people discover confidence, independence, connection, and a sense of belonging.
That spirit is at the heart of the Together We Grow Campaign, a unique partnership between Upstate Caring Partners’ Tradewinds Education Center and The Root Farm. While this transformative expansion will take place on the Farm’s campus, its impact will extend far beyond its fields and classrooms, creating new opportunities for students, families, visitors, and the broader community for generations to come.
What the Expansion Includes
New Education Center
Five Tradewinds classrooms designed to help children with significant behavioral and developmental disabilities build independence, communication skills, and confidence.
Community Event Pavilion
A flexible indoor‑outdoor gathering space that serves as a “classroom with a view” for students and a welcoming hub for festivals, family programs, and community events.
Together, these additions create a vibrant, inclusive environment that honors The Root Farm’s original vision while opening new pathways for people to learn, heal, and thrive.
John Calabrese, Campaign Chair
President and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union
Through the Together We Grow Campaign, donors have the opportunity to invest in a shared vision, one that strengthens Upstate Caring Partners’ ability to serve students, expands The Root Farm’s impact as a community resource, and creates a brighter future for everyone who finds their way to the Farm.
“What makes this project so special is the way it brings together the missions of Upstate Caring Partners and The Root Farm to create something truly meaningful for our community. The new classrooms will help more students develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive, while the expanded Farm experience will create new opportunities for families, volunteers, and community members to connect with nature, animals, and one another. Together We Grow is more than a campaign slogan; it’s a reflection of what happens when a community comes together to invest in people and possibilities.”
