The William George Agency in Freeville receives $20K for agricultural education center

Helen Hulings noted that when she spoke with the historian for the William George Agency for Children’s Services in Freeville, it was mentioned that the WGA campus had 1,000 cows on campus over 70 years ago.

Hulings, WGA’s executive director, and her staff have made it their mission to revive the campus’s agricultural program.

WGA is in the process of making that happen, but $20,000 in New York state funding that was recently secured by Sen. Lea Webb is bringing the redevelopment to fruition.

“It’s been a dream for many years to reestablish our farm program on this campus,” Hulings said.

The state funding will assist WGA to develop and create an agricultural education center, according to a release and a press conference on Sept. 10.

“Our new [agricultural] education center is designed to be a hub where agriculture and farming activity is planned, developed and carried out,” Hulings said. “There will be a greenhouse for cultivating seedlings for plants, vegetables and flower gardens and a space for raising small farm animals. Every young person has a chance to participate and learn hands-on. Such a dedicated space will help at-risk youth of all abilities in our residential and after-school programs to develop critical skills while creating positive memories. Funds will be used to help furnish the initiative with necessary equipment and supplies.”

Hulings said that the children at WGA have been taking care of ducks, chickens and turkeys. They have also planted rows of sunflowers and established a pumpkin patch.

WGA recently brought in two New Zealand pigs, which are named “Miss Porsha” and “Tommy Hilpigger,” Hulings said.

Hulings mentioned that, in the past, WGA has supported goats, chickens, sheep, potato and vegetable crops, a flower garden and an apple orchard.

“These pigs are here to stay as our ag center mascots,” Hulings said. “We’re excited for the youth to have any opportunity to explore human and animal interactions, outdoor experiences that bring them closer to nature and other aspects of farm life.”

Webb noted that WGA and the children on campus have strived to know the livestock well.

“I love the personalization that is happening with the livestock. It takes the right spirit of the folks involved to make these things happen,” Webb said. “It takes focus, diligence and patience.” 

Webb, a former educator and a longtime youth advocate, appreciated the work that WGA is putting in to grow its farm program and support “our community youth.”

“I understand firsthand that one of the many roles that our community plays is creating a pathway for progress for the next generation,” Webb said. “One of the best ways to create that proverbial role model is through setting examples and showing young people the many opportunities for careers and for personal growth, but we have to support that.”

Webb said that WGA is taking the center as not only part of its mission, but through the work they have accomplished with agricultural education.

“These are youths that need additional support,” Webb said. “All it requires as a community is support and creating space for that support. It gives you other perspectives on ways our communities work and function. We often don’t think about how that food gets produced — the process it goes through, but also generations of families who contribute in so many ways to the agricultural community that we all benefit from. To have this agency create yet another touchpoint is so important.”

In addition to WGA’s educational mission, the release mentioned that the agricultural education center will guide the youth of the campus to opportunities for exploring careers in agriculture and related outdoor activities.

Noted in the release, the center “aims to provide participants with valuable experiences that foster responsibility, empathy and self-regulation while teaching them prosocial behaviors and practical skills. WGA is committed to providing its youth with comprehensive educational, therapeutic, and recreational programming. The center aligns with the Agency’s mission to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed.”

“Such a dedicated space will help at-risk youth of all abilities in our residential and after-school programs to develop critical skills while creating positive memories,” Hulings said. “Funds will be used to help furnish the initiative with necessary equipment and supplies.”

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Town of Dryden to hold public hearing on acquisition of easements

The Dryden Town Board will hold a public hearing at its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19.

The purpose of the hearing is for the public to comment on the town’s proposed acquisition of easements “for the preservation of open space and the establishment of a recreation area,” according to a public notice.

The notice stated that if the town acquires the easements, it will create a recreational trail “for non-vehicular use” by the public within an abandoned railroad property.

People interested in providing comments can either speak at the hearing or submit written comments before or on the day of the hearing.

The Sept. 19 meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at the town hall at 93 E. Main St. The public is invited to attend in person or via Zoom.