EXPERIENCE LIVE LEARN AND LEAD
A 501(c)(3) vocational farm in Kirkland, Illinois.
Creating opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and contribute through agriculture, animals, education, and community.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, develop meaningful skills, and experience the confidence that comes from being part of something.
Live Learn & Lead is a nonprofit vocational farm dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals to learn, work, grow, and connect in a supportive agricultural environment.
Located on 20 acres in Kirkland, Illinois, our farm provides a unique setting where hands-on experiences become opportunities for personal growth. Through animal care, farming, product making, practical life skills, creative workshops, and vocational experiences, participants are encouraged to explore their abilities, build confidence, and develop skills they can carry into everyday life and future employment.
But Live Learn & Lead has grown to become more than a vocational program.
Our farm is also a place for education, connection, and community. We offer hands-on workshops, youth and community programs, farm experiences, life coaching, grief support, and opportunities to learn alongside our animals and the natural environment.
We believe meaningful work can build confidence. We believe learning can happen outside of a traditional classroom. And we believe animals, agriculture, creativity, and community can bring people together in ways that are difficult to replicate anywhere else.
As we continue to grow, our goal is to expand vocational training and partnerships with local businesses while creating an inclusive farm environment where individuals of different abilities and backgrounds can participate, contribute, and feel valued.
LIVE LEARN AND LEAD AT A GLANCE
The healing power of work.
Work has positive effects on mental health, including improving medication compliance, lessening of symptoms, and reducing the number of relapses. Through meaningful work, our clients learn personal responsibility, establish a routine to encourage structuring of their time, learn to stop focusing on symptoms, and make meaningful contributions to life.
THE FARM HANDS ON
Age 8-18
A ongoing program for youth to learn, develop, and grow within the farm.
The farm program builds on the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social benefits gained through participation in farm chores and activities. Individuals have the opportunity to learn and care for animals and agriculture, while creating interest and hope for future educational and career opportunities.
Classes are Monday-Friday 1-2 times a week for 60 minute sessions.
Schedule a farm tour/interview for the program. No experience necessary. We taylor the program to fit you!
Adult Classes 19+
Farm Education Series: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels
Course Description:
Embark on a comprehensive journey into the world of farming with our Farm Education Series designed for adults. Whether you're a budding enthusiast or seeking to enhance your farming skills, this course offers three distinct levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, each spanning six weeks.
Throughout the program, participants will delve into the fundamental aspects of farm management, focusing on daily operations, animal care, feeding, cleaning, grooming, financial management, and much more. Taught by experienced instructors, this course provides hands-on learning experiences tailored to individual needs.
Beginner Level (6 weeks):
In the beginner level, students will gain a solid foundation in farming practices. Topics include understanding basic animal behavior, proper feeding techniques, maintaining clean and healthy living environments, and introductory financial management for small-scale farming operations.
Intermediate Level (6 weeks):
Building upon the fundamentals, the intermediate level delves deeper into advanced animal care strategies, disease prevention, breeding techniques, and optimizing farm productivity. Participants will also explore more intricate financial aspects, such as budgeting, record-keeping, and marketing strategies.
Advanced Level (6 weeks):
The advanced level is tailored for seasoned farmers or those looking to upscale their operations. Students will refine their skills in animal husbandry, learn advanced grooming and handling techniques, implement sustainable farming practices, and delve into complex financial analysis and decision-making processes.
Class Structure:
Each level of the Farm Education Series consists of six weekly sessions, with classes conducted on an individual basis for one hour per week. This personalized approach allows for focused instruction and ample opportunities for hands-on learning.
Join us on this enriching journey into the world of farming, where you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own farm or simply eager to deepen your understanding of farm management, this course is your pathway to success.
Life Coaching
Sometimes you don't need someone to tell you what to do—
you need someone to help you figure out what comes next.
Sometimes you don't need someone to tell you what to do—you need someone to help you figure out what comes next.
At Live Learn & Lead, we offer individual life coaching with Didi Dowling, Certified Life Coach and Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Didi provides a supportive, encouraging environment where individuals can identify goals, work through challenges, build confidence, and develop practical skills for moving forward.
Life coaching can be helpful for individuals who are:
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Working through a life transition or change
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Struggling with motivation or direction
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Building confidence and independence
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Developing communication and social skills
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Working toward personal, educational, or employment goals
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Learning organization, decision-making, and everyday life skills
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Looking for accountability and encouragement
Sessions are individualized to the person and their goals. When appropriate, coaching can also incorporate the unique farm environment at Live Learn & Lead, providing opportunities for hands-on activities, time outdoors, and interaction with our animals.
Life coaching is goal-focused and is not a substitute for therapy, mental health treatment, or medical care.
Interested in Life Coaching?
Contact Live Learn & Lead to learn more, discuss your goals, and determine whether our life coaching program may be a good fit.
Grief Support
Grief can come from many kinds of loss, and no two people experience it in quite the same way.
At Live Learn & Lead, we provide a compassionate and welcoming space for individuals navigating grief and loss. Our goal is to offer connection, understanding, and support without judgment or expectations about what grief is supposed to look like.
Grief support may include one-on-one support, group gatherings, and time at the farm, where the peaceful environment and interaction with our animals can provide a comfortable setting to talk, reflect, or simply spend time with others who understand.
Whether your loss is recent or something you have been carrying for years, you don't have to navigate it entirely on your own.
Grief support is currently offered at no cost.
Contact Live Learn & Lead to learn more about individual support or upcoming grief support groups.
Farm Team Building Experience
Get Out of the Office & Onto the Farm!
Looking for a team-building experience that's a little different?
Bring your group to Live Learn & Lead for a hands-on afternoon at the farm! Our Farm Team Building Experience gives coworkers a chance to step away from the office, slow down, have some fun, and connect in a completely different environment.
Your group will enjoy a guided farm tour, meet and interact with our goats, and work together during a hands-on Goat Milk Soap Making Workshop. Each participant will make their own box of handcrafted goat milk soap to take home.
Throughout the experience, we'll incorporate simple team-building activities focused on communication, collaboration, creativity, and working together—without making it feel like another day at the office.
Your 2.5-Hour Experience Includes:
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Guided tour of Live Learn & Lead
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Meet & interact with the goats
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Hands-on goat milk soap making
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One box of handmade soap per participant
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Fun, farm-based team-building activities
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Time to relax, laugh, and enjoy the farm
$35 per person
Perfect for real estate offices, small businesses, nonprofit teams, educators, healthcare teams, leadership groups, and other organizations looking for a unique way to bring their people together.
Best of all, your participation helps support the programs and mission of Live Learn & Lead, a 501(c)(3) vocational farm.
Ready to bring your team to the farm?
Contact us to schedule your private Farm Team Building Experience!
FARM EDUCATION &
CONSULTING
Want to start a non profit?
Want to run a nonprofit? Or teach classes on your farm? This is perfect for individuals looking for more one-on-one assistance. Whether you need support developing your Farm Class program from the beginning, or you simply need assistance trouble shooting challenges within class, we have you covered. Each 90 minute session is $150 donation.
Mindfulness with the Goats
Step away from the noise of everyday life and spend some time simply being present at the farm.
Our Mindfulness with the Goats experience combines simple guided mindfulness practices with the calming, sometimes silly, and always authentic experience of spending time with our goats.
Participants are encouraged to slow down, engage their senses, enjoy the outdoors, and focus on the present moment while interacting with the herd. Activities may include guided breathing, quiet observation, sensory awareness, reflection, and plenty of time to connect with the goats.
No previous mindfulness experience is necessary. There are no complicated poses and no pressure to “do it right.” Just come as you are, wear comfortable clothes, and enjoy an hour at the farm.
1-Hour Experience • $25 per person
Perfect for individuals, families, small groups, community organizations, and anyone who could use a little time away from the everyday rush.
Meet the Board
President & Executive Director
Didi Dowling
Founder and creator of Live Learn and Lead. Didi has a passion for helping people and leading them to unlock their potential.
MSW, George Williams College
Vice President
Linda Holzrichter
Linda believes strongly in providing opportunities to help individuals develop vital life skills.
Linda is a licensed attorney with a solo law practice in Aurora, IL.
Executive Director of Programs & Treasurer
Cathy Best
Cathy has strong passion for animals and how they can enhance our lives, teach us, and challenge us. The lessons you can learn on the farm can stick with you throught the rest of your life.
BFA, Northern Illinois University
Secretary
Rebecca Rothecker
Helping youth and young adults is a passion of mine. Rebecca currently runs a program at Kaneland HS that helps youth who are at risk of not graduating for academic and/or social emotional reasons cross the finish line.
M. Ed. American College of Education
Support
Live Learn and Lead strives to operate as efficiently as possible. A significant portion of our revenue comes from a broad base of donors, $10 and $20 dollars at a time. Every contribution makes an important difference. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, more people have a chance to participate and experience the transformative powers of the farm.
CONTACT
LIVE LEARN AND LEAD
501 (C) 3
Phone:
815-354-4983
