Strong Family Farm Welcomes Jen Smith

Strong Family Farm in Vernon is pleased to announce that we hired Jen Smith as our Executive Director.

Jen is certified with the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Executive Leadership and Management Program through Tufts University and the Lily Fundraising School’s Fundraising Fundamentals through the University of Indiana. She has found her passion in supporting the community through the nonprofit space for more than 6 years. Combined with teaching in the education sector for kids and adults of multicultural backgrounds, she is excited to grow deeper roots to share Strong Farm’s educational programs to more youth and adults alike.

She has been appointed by the Mayor and Town Council to the Vernon Conservation Commission. Jen is volunteering with a core group to spread the message of utilizing conservation as the solution to many modern challenges.

Jen began as a volunteer at Strong Family Farm shortly after she returned to her home state. She connected with Nancy Strong and made a point of learning from her and the lead volunteers at the farm to support the honeybees and garden plots.

Jen and her husband and their canine are proud Vernon residents and love to get outdoors. “I believe when people connect to safe outdoor spaces and to one another they can live happier and healthier lives. At Strong Family Farm, groups and individuals of all ages can care for plants and small livestock (chickens) while learning about the natural world. We are passing on healthy and historical cultivation practices to our community so they care for, protect, and pass on farm traditions to the next generation.”

When not working for the farm, she’s enjoying it and the greater outdoors. During high school and college, she explored CT with the students as a Camp Counselor. Later on, she shared her joy with families by planning nature programs for Colorado Parks and Wildlife for an incredible season.

“When my family and I first returned to CT, I immediately hit the trails at places like Friends of Valley Falls, the Rails to Trails network, Meeting House Hill and more. The Vernon landscape continues to showcase native natural gems like our state flower, the mountain laurel. It’s a very exciting opportunity for me to give back to Vernon and Strong Family Farm!”

“Executive Director Jen Smith, is leading us on the next step for the future of the farm. With her passion for agriculture and training in non-profit administration, she has brought new exciting ideas and direction for the farm–bringing us into the next chapter. We are so excited and it’s a privilege to have her here at Strong Family Farm!”- Nancy Strong, Founder.