A Place to Learn, Grow, Work, and Play.
Something special is growing in Alden! Black Water Acres, The Arc Erie County’s new inclusive farm and four-season program site, is creating opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, explore new interests, build skills, develop friendships and connect with their community.
Set on more than 150 acres, Black Water Acres brings together nature, accessible horticulture, recreation, skill building and workforce development. A 12,000-square-foot main building features program spaces, a commercial teaching kitchen, movement room, and areas designed for learning and connection.
Black Water Acres will offer exciting opportunities in gardening, culinary arts, hospitality, retail, janitorial, art, music, movement, and agritourism through several programs, including:
*Respite (Before & After Program/School and Recreational) – provides opportunities for recreation, friendship, and fun while giving caregivers time to recharge.
*Day Habilitation Without Walls (WOW) – People spend their days in the community volunteering, exploring interests, building relationships, and strengthening everyday life skills both at Black Water Acres and throughout Western New York.
*Community Prevocational Services (CPV) - People can discover their strengths and develop skills that may lead to future employment through hands-on experiences, job-shadowing, volunteering, and specialized pre-employment skills training.
Black Water Acres represents our vision for inclusion: people of all abilities learning, growing, working, and playing side by side.
We're cultivating more than a farm. We're harvesting PURPOSE.
For more information about The Arc Erie County or Black Water Acres:
intake@arceriecounty.org | 833-272-3743