Madison Fields, a 275-acre farm run by supporters of the Madison House Foundation in Montgomery County, offers farm-based therapeutic programs, job-readiness training and agricultural education aimed primarily at adults on the autism spectrum.

Organizers said the farm was launched to fill a gap in services for adults with autism, focusing on socialization, employment skills and community belonging. The site includes a riding arena with an accessibility ramp for people with physical challenges, therapeutic equine activities, a soap-making operation staffed in part by program participants, and a pavilion and renovated historic barn used for community events and private gatherings.

County and state support has helped the site adapt and expand its facilities. Presenters credited Montgomery County, the state of Maryland, private donors and volunteers with funding work such as a state-supported barn renovation and other community grants that enabled program growth. Organizers also said Madison Fields partners with local schools for agricultural education visits, where students learn about chickens, goats, greenhouses and seasonal activities like hayrides and pumpkin painting.

Program leaders described the farm’s job-readiness offerings, which include workshops on woodworking and repurposing furniture as well as hands-on roles—such as soap production and animal care—intended to build practical skills and confidence that may help participants find employment. During the COVID period, the farm partnered with a Poolesville organization and reported raising about six tons of produce that was donated to local food banks.

A participant who spoke briefly during the presentation described daily therapeutic benefits from working with the animals. Presenters emphasized that many on-site activities are open to the broader community to promote understanding of neurodiversity and to strengthen social ties.

There were no formal votes or policy decisions recorded in the presentation. Organizers said the farm would continue programming and outreach with current funding partners; the transcript did not specify any immediate new requests for county action or a formal timeline for additional capital projects.