Leg Up Farm gives people with special needs the tools to reach their full potential. Children get valuable enrichment and access to services like occupational and speech therapy—and they have fun doing it. Check out our interview with Maura Musselman, Director of Community Engagement at Leg Up Farm.
How would you describe your organization to those unfamiliar with you?
Leg Up Farm is a therapy facility for individuals with disabilities and unique challenges. It is the only pediatric therapy facility in the country to provide physical, occupational, aquatic and speech therapy, behavioral health services, therapeutic horseback riding, nutrition counseling and educational and recreational programming under one roof. Also, Leg Up Farm offers a variety of equine assisted therapies for all ages - including equine assisted psychotherapy for veterans.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
We want to evolve alongside the needs of our community. As their needs change, we hope to continue adding innovative programs, so we can better serve them.
What are some of the challenges an organization like yours faces?
Most of our clients utilize Medicaid to access our services, which results in lower reimbursement rates for Leg Up Farm. That means fundraising is vital for us. To keep our services affordable and accessible, we rely on the generosity of the community—including individuals, businesses, foundations and more.
Another challenge that we are currently experiencing is a reduction in volunteerism. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we, like many nonprofit organizations, have experienced a decline in the number of people volunteering at Leg Up Farm. Volunteers play an important role in helping us provide services and we hope to see the number of volunteers increase soon.
Can you share one of your proudest moments?
We are very proud to have celebrated 10 years of serving the Central Pennsylvania community. We celebrated this milestone during COVID-19, so there wasn't a lot of fanfare. Still, we took the time to acknowledge every employee who played a role in our success and every family who trusted us with their care.
How can people support your mission?
DONATE. Giving looks different for everyone so that can mean contributing financially, participating in Leg Up Farm events, donating items from our wish list or volunteering time on a regular basis or as part of a group.
What is the history of the Farm en Blanc event?
The first Farm en Blanc was held 5 years ago! We wanted to add a gala to our event roster but do it in a way that was in line with Leg Up Farm's values. So, we created our version of the gala - a laid-back and fun dinner event. The event was initially held in the greenhouse at Able-Services but is now held under the stars at Leg Up Farm.
What can we expect from the Farm en Blanc event this year?
Farm en Blanc is a special event, and we look forward to it every year. It is magical to say the least. Guests can expect to dine on delicious cuisine in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. They'll have an opportunity to tour the facility and bid on unique auction items. We're excited to have Old Republic Distillery join us this year for a tasting of their many different spirits.
How can local businesses like Keller-Brown Insurance help you make a difference?
Keller-Brown Insurance has supported Leg Up Farm for many years, which we greatly appreciate! Other businesses can follow your lead by sponsoring events and programs, donating goods or services, rallying employees for a group volunteer project at Leg Up Farm and more. We love working with businesses to create opportunities that are mutually beneficial for their organization and ours.
Stay in touch
You can support Leg Up Farm's mission by donating, volunteering or participating in events like Farm en Blanc.
For your insurance needs, contact Keller-Brown Insurance.