Boni-Bel Farm is a two-acre organic farm in Brewster that provides learning opportunities in agriculture and retail operation to students at Green Chimneys School. A beautiful farm setting and charming Country Store offer fresh-grown produce and flowers, local syrup and honey, natural products, handmade crafts, home goods and custom gift baskets. And each November, Boni-Bel lights up with holiday spirit, offering fresh-cut sustainably grown Christmas trees, holiday wreaths and greens and gift baskets made to order.

The Country Store is a great way to “shop local” and also to support youth with special needs. All proceeds from store purchases go to Green Chimneys’ educational and skill-building programs for the students.

“What makes the store so special is that almost all merchandise sold is produced by local artisans, regional entrepreneurs and our own Green Chimneys staff,” says George DeLaVergne, who oversees store operations and the vocational activities of the participating students. “Our roadside farmstand is a great place to grab fresh produce and flowers. We do our best to keep it well stocked, but in peak season it’s a popular stop, so shoppers should come early in the day.”

As part of Green Chimneys’ nature-based approach to education and therapeutic support, Boni-Bel offers Green Chimneys students genuine experience in farm operation and maintenance including plant care, harvesting and upkeep of the fields. Training extends to the Country Store where students learn about store operations and customer service in a real retail environment. The program gives students the opportunity to develop and practice employable skills, learn to manage responsibilities, gain confidence and, ultimately, feel successful.

“Younger students visit and are exposed to different aspects of the program such as retail operation and customer service,” explains DeLaVergne. “Older students get involved at a higher level with tasks in the Country Store or learning to work the farm using various equipment ranging from weed whackers to lawnmowers to farming/agricultural tools.”