Our Mission

To provide employment, programming, and community to adults with neuro and physical diverse abilities.

Our Story

Shemesh Farms began in 2013 at Shalom Institute in Malibu, California. We started out with seed money from Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, six Farm Fellows, and a garden.

Over the years, Shemesh has grown and thrived. Farm Fellows, volunteers, and staff harvest and handcraft our herb blends, jar our honey, and other organic products.

In November 2018, our campus was devastated by the Woolsey fire and Shemesh found a new temporary home at Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue. In September 2023, Shemesh moved again to our current location in Zuma Beach.

When you make a purchase or a donation, you help us continue to hire Farm Fellows, provide programming, support our commitment to sustainable and just practices, and expand our reach and impact through intentional partnerships with the local Malibu and greater Los Angeles communities.

Who We Serve

In the beginning, our program was created for young adults (around 22 years of age, as that is the age when people tap out of the education system). As Farm Fellows have grown and stayed with Shemesh, and as new Farm Fellows have joined us, our age range has increased. We currently host Farm Fellows between the ages of 18-55.

Many of our Farm Fellows attend Shemesh as part of other day programs. Farm Fellows who attend Shemesh independently (with coaches) have come to us after they have moved into self-determination after having been in one of the above listed programs, hear about us through different media pieces (magazine and newspaper articles, podcasts), or hear about us via word-of-mouth.

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Our Core Values

Tikkun Olam

(Repairing the World) We strive to make the world a better place through compassionate action and thoughtful speech.

Shomrei Adamah

(Stewards of the Earth) We are committed to sustainable practices, with the understanding that we are responsible for the health and well being of our planet.

Kehillah

(Community) We offer a space that fosters inclusivity, belonging, support, joy, and love. EveryBODY is welcome.

OUR FOCUS

Providing our Farm Fellows with valuable life and job skills in an environment that allows them to thrive at their own pace.

INCLUSIVITY

OUR FOCUS

Empowering minds to create our products with attention to best practices and care.

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OUR FOCUS

Connecting with the greater community through experiential farm tours, workshops, service days, special events, and product sales.

UPCOMING EVENTS