Mineral Wells Area News

By Lori Garcia / Special to Mineral Wells Area News

Able Oaks Farm Opens Doors to Grow Greatness in Special Needs Community

My initial interaction with Sheena Chan was via text concerning an email blunder. I repeatedly read over the email address I had been given and it matched the information she was reiterating. I then sent her a screenshot of my email, asking for a second pair eyes, to which she quickly found the error.

I thanked her for catching my mistake and laughingly reassured her I was a much better writer than a typer of email addresses. Her response was one that I believe beautifully presents her heart behind what she does: “We are all human here.”

Bearing the belief that we are all human, defined by our abilities, not our limitations, Chan founded a non-profit called Able Oaks Farm. 

“Able Oaks Farms empowers people with special needs to live a superabundant and purpose filled life, “ Chan said about the founding of the program. 

AOF’s founder is no stranger to families looking for opportunities to enrich their kids lives who may have special needs or challenges. Chan started the Palo Pinto Inclusion League a few years ago which is a an inclusive basketball league in Mineral Wells that allows kids and young adults with extraordinary needs to participate in the sport regardless of their ability.  

The league has been highly successful and has brought joy to many participants and spectators on Saturday mornings in the local gymnasium. However, Chan clearly felt a calling to do even more and last May took a leap of faith and left her career as a public school teacher to focus on her desire to be a learning catalyst for these young adults. 

“We all have a great purpose and significance to share with the world. Unfortunately, there is a wide gap that exists for adults with special needs that require support,” she said.

Chan is on a mission to close that gap. 

Birthed out of the desire to provide an environment where her son Dylan, who has autism and an intellectual disability, Able Oaks Farm provides an opportunity where he and his friends with similar challenges can flourish. 

Inspired by Dylan’s love of people, eagerness to work, and determination to live a productive lifestyle, Able Oaks Farm is just another step Chan is taking to make people aware of the ability of these special humans. 

In order to bring her dream to fruition, she designed a program that allows adult participants to develop life skills along with employment skills through their service at other non-profits and local businesses.

Every day at Able Oaks, time is dedicated for learning that is tailored to each individuals educational goals. Activities are intentionally coordinated to provide meaningful lessons to meet the participant’s varying levels of aid needed to be most successful. 

Chan spent seven years as a special education teacher, even being named Graford ISD’s Teacher of the Year this past May, just before leaving her classroom duties to take on her vision of Able Oaks Farm. 

The core message of her program is to highlight abilities first, showing what people can achieve before considering their disabilities. 

“My greatest message through our mission is for the community to recognize that people with special needs have equal importance to everyone else,” said Chan. 

A fish fry fundraiser earlier this summer helped Chan raise operating capital to jump start the mission. Able Oaks is in its very first few weeks of operation, but there are already big plans on the horizon. 

“We do not have staff, yet,” said Chan. “It is in our plans to eventually hire myself and other staff members, but we had to take a step towards getting open and operating.” 

The program is located near Mineral Wells at her home, but the idea is to grow into something even bigger than her residence. 

“Right now, a portion of our program is at my house although the goal is to have a separate building that we can use as a common area.  I am doing my best to ensure that the clients that we do have are equipped with everything they need,” stated Chan. 

Chan is volunteering her time at the moment and Able Oaks Farm is at its max capacity of seven clients who have committed to participating in the program. The plan is to continue taking applications and maintain a waitlist for those who are hopeful to join the organization. 

“For the adults we serve, they may not be at the level to successfully gain and maintain employment in the community, but they have an internal desire to thrive just as we all do. These adults staying at home day in and day out when they want more for their lives does not settle well with me,” lamented Chan. “There is a better way. We just have to create it for them. That’s our purpose, our mission, and our passion.”

If you are interested in keeping up with the operations and development of Able Oaks Farm, follow them on Facebook. You can also help by donating here or scan their Amazon Wish List to help with supplies.