Brayhope Farm Announces Full Funding and June Launch of Disability Accessibility Project Major Support Provided by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation and Community Donors

PHOENIX, NY — Brayhope Farm is pleased to announce that its long planned Disability Accessibility Project is fully funded and scheduled to begin construction in mid June 2026, thanks to the generous support of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation and several community partners and donors. The project will significantly expand safe, inclusive access for visitors with mobility challenges, ensuring that individuals of all abilities can fully experience the therapeutic environment Brayhope Farm provides.
In April 2025, Brayhope Farm sought funding for the accessibility initiative and submitted a grant request to the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. In May 2025, the Foundation awarded $5,000 toward the project—an early and essential investment that set the effort in motion. The Foundation later granted an extension to allow the farm time to secure the remaining funds, demonstrating its continued commitment to accessibility and community inclusion.

The community rallied behind the project with remarkable generosity:
• Bowling for Autism contributed $2,400.
• The CNY European Car Club raised $1,500.
• Bill Lorman of Jackson Hole, WY, donated $4,000, enabling the project to surpass its fundraising goal by $1,300.

This collective support ensured that Brayhope Farm could move forward confidently, even as material costs increased. A revised project estimate received in April 2026 reflected updated pricing, but the previously raised overage—combined with a small labor discount—allowed the project to remain fully funded without delay.

Project Scope and Accessibility Enhancements
The Disability Accessibility Project focuses on creating a safe, direct, and fully accessible route for visitors with mobility challenges. The main construction will extend the driveway alongside the garage to the barn and goat yard entrances. The extension will also run the full length of the barn, allowing transport vehicles to drop off individuals with mobility needs directly at the entrance and then safely back out along a straight, unobstructed path.

A key component of the project—a specially designed accessible goat yard entryway—has already been completed. Fabricated by Andrew Nedrow, Executive Officer of Brayhope Farm, the entryway features:
• A two gate system with a holding area to prevent goats from escaping.
• A flush, ground level threshold
• A heavy rubber mat for smooth wheelchair access
Materials for this portion were funded through general operating funds, and all labor donated.

Construction on the goat-yard entry way extension is scheduled to begin mid June 2026, with completion expected by the end of June.
“Thanks to the Richard S. Shineman Foundation and the incredible generosity of our community, this project is now a reality,” said Diane Nedrow, Founder & CEO of Brayhope Farm. “These improvements will ensure that every visitor—regardless of mobility—can safely and comfortably experience the joy and connection our animals provide.”

About Brayhope Farm
Brayhope Farm, located in Phoenix, New York, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive, therapeutic, and joyful experiences for individuals with special needs and their families. Through animal assisted activities featuring miniature donkeys and goats, the farm provides a calm, judgment free environment where visitors can connect, learn, and thrive. Brayhope Farm hosts community events, educational programs, and sensory friendly activities designed to foster belonging, understanding, and hope. Learn more at www.brayhopefarm.org.