Blooms of Hope in Franklin, Indiana, officially launched this July, is a flower farm created to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful work and skill-building in floral design.
Founded by Denise and Joe Smith, the flower farm grows cut flowers that are arranged into bouquets by team members at the Hope Gallery, a boutique and employment program operated by the Alex and Ali Foundation. The foundation's mission is to empower individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through creative, community-focused job opportunities.
The Smiths, who moved to Franklin from Maryland in 2023, were inspired to start the project after witnessing the impact of Hope Gallery on their daughter, Emily. With no space to grow flowers themselves, the family partnered with local church members Gary and Sharon Walker, who offered up part of their five-acre property for the farm.
Now in its second growing season, Blooms of Hope provides flowers for sale at Hope Gallery, local farmers markets, and shops like Farm Girl Mercantile. Proceeds go directly to the Alex and Ali Foundation. The farm has become both a learning environment and a source of pride for participants, who engage in every step of the process — from planting to arranging.
The project is supported by local businesses, Purdue Extension, and community volunteers. "It's flowers for a cause," says Denise Smith. "It's about helping these amazing individuals flourish just like the blooms they grow."
The initiative was celebrated with a ribbon cutting attended by over 40 community members, team members, and supporters.
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