Learning Grows at Empowerment Farm in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — In the heart of Naples, a farm is doing more than growing crops. It is growing confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to nature. That vision belongs to co-owners Tiffany Lehman and Ashleigh Ebrite.

“I am someone who is very driven by purpose,” Lehman said. “I was working in insurance and felt no fulfillment. So I sat down and really thought about what would make me happy.”

From that reflection, Empowerment Farm was born, a place where people can step away from daily stress and reconnect with the natural world.

“I wanted to create a space where people could come, put their phones down, and connect with one another,” Lehman said.

Empowerment Farm is a nonprofit educational farm that uses hands-on learning to teach children and families about agriculture, animals, and the environment. Its mission centers on building community through compassion and cooperation while helping visitors understand where their food comes from and how to care for the land.

Students who visit the farm take part in interactive lessons such as gardening, feeding animals, and learning sustainable farming practices. The farm is home to a variety of animals, including cows, chickens, goats, tortoises, quail, and more. Every activity is designed to turn classroom topics into real-world experiences.

“It was important to us to create a farm that was interactive,” Ebrite said. “For all the kids and adults, we encourage them to get their hands in the dirt, to touch the seeds and the soil.”

Volunteer Noelle Fuller has been helping at the farm for more than a year. She visits once a week to care for the chickens and tortoises, and said the experience has pushed her outside her comfort zone.

“I realized I really like helping out the community,” Fuller said.

Beyond school visits, the farm hosts community programs and seasonal events that welcome families to explore farm life. Activities range from farm festivals and animal encounters to workshops on gardening and environmental responsibility. Volunteers play a major role in keeping the farm running and supporting its educational programs.

“A lot of the time we ask kids where things like milk come from,” Ebrite said. “They do not realize it comes from cows, so it is a great opportunity to let them meet the animals and learn.”

The farm is now preparing for its second annual fundraiser, Evening Beneath the Oak. All proceeds from the event go directly back to supporting the farm and its programs.

“It is a magical evening,” Lehman said. “You come as you are, and we transform part of the farm for the night. Guests can even walk around and talk with volunteers about the animals.”

Tickets for Evening Beneath the Oak are available here: Evening Beneath the Oak