Abbey loves being active and involved, especially at the Knockout Farm. Whether she’s helping with planting, harvesting, or other farm activities, she enjoys being part of the hands-on work that makes the farm such a meaningful place. Working alongside her peers gives Abbey a sense of purpose, pride, and accomplishment. She loves knowing that her contributions help the farm grow and thrive.

As a Warrior who uses a wheelchair, Abbey faces barriers that can make participating in farm activities more difficult. Navigating uneven terrain is one of the biggest challenges. As Abbey explains, “It’s hard because I can’t roll through the grass.” Yet these obstacles have never diminished her desire to be involved. She continues to show up eager to learn, contribute, and take part in every opportunity available to her.
Abbey understands firsthand how important accessibility is. “Accessibility makes it so it’s easier for people in wheelchairs to get around,” she shares. For Abbey, accessibility is the key to independence, participation, and belonging.

Abbey is always looking ahead to what’s next. One of her goals is to learn how to make pickles using vegetables grown right at the farm, allowing her to experience the full journey from planting and harvesting to creating a product.

– IMPACT IN ACTION –

Abbey is always eager to learn new skills, contribute alongside her peers, and embrace new experiences at Opportunity Knocks. As our program continues to grow, so does the number of Warriors who rely on mobility supports and require additional assistance to fully participate in daily activities. To ensure Warriors like Abbey can engage safely, comfortably, and with dignity, Opportunity Knocks is seeking support for critical accessibility upgrades throughout the Knockout Farm and program facilities.

Investments in equipment and facility improvements, including a Hoyer lift, a wall-mounted changing table, reconfigured restroom stalls, and accessible door-opening systems, will help create an environment where every Warrior can fully access opportunities for learning, work, and community engagement. These enhancements will not only improve safety and comfort for Warriors and staff but will also remove barriers that can limit participation.

With these accessibility installations in place, Abbey and her fellow Warriors can focus on what matters most: building confidence, developing new skills, contributing meaningfully to farm and enterprise activities, and experiencing the independence and fulfillment that come from being fully included. Every improvement brings us closer to a community where all Warriors have the support they need to thrive.

A professional crew needs professional equipment and staff support. Opportunity Knocks is looking to upgrade to professional vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and a dishwasher. We envision this enterprise going beyond the community center, and hope to offer professional cleaning services as the newest enterprise from OK.

– IMPACT IN ACTION –

The Warriors at work pride themselves on a job well done, and professional equipment that is adapted to their needs is essential to training a professional cleaning crew. These upgrades, along with the increased staff support necessary for this training, will help create pathways to future employment while enabling the cleaning crew to expand beyond the RFCC and increase meaningful work opportunities for more Warriors.