Executive Summary The mission of Tarini Farm is to improve lives through continuing education, employment, and responsible environmental

decisions. Nationally every year an estimated 20,000 young adults "age out" of the foster care system by turning 18, regardless of their ability to live independently. Within 18 months of emancipation 40-50% of these youth become homeless. 25% of former foster youth will be incarcerated within the first 2 years of emancipation. Tarini is a very unique shelter for young adults that have "aged out" of the foster care system. Every resident of Tarini will work toward the sustainment of the farm and to advance the effective quality of their own life, in turn improving the quality of life for the whole community. Each resident will be a high school graduate or earn their GED while at the farm. Every effort will be made to provide an environment conducive to self-discovery, personal growth and realizing direction. Furthermore, every resident must also participate in Tarinis work program. While working at Tarini residents will have the opportunity to learn a trade, develop employable skills, or even create a business. Work at Tarini Farm includes: Business Development Farming Business Management Food Preparation Animal Assisted Therapy Construction and Building Maintenance Fundraising and Event Coordination Office Administration Graphic Arts and Website Development Hopefully while living at Tarini, every resident will find direction and maybe recognize a passion. If that requires additional schooling, assistance with applications and acquiring need based funding will be provided. The goal is to help every resident find fulfillment in their efforts and become a functional part of a community. Applicants for residency must comply with the following: Must be literate Have no current gang ties or affiliations Have been sober and drug free for an extended period Must be willing to submit to random drug testing Have no criminal record of a sexual or physical nature Must be free of known mental or physical limitations requiring ongoing or immediate therapy or medical attention Must complete the application process Optimum success of Tarini is dependent on participation from surrounding communities. Therefore the farm would do best being located in a semi-rural area bordering suburban or city sprawl. It would be most advantageous for the project to be located in an area of a moderate climate, providing the longest possible season of operation. Rescuing a farm from catastrophic crop loss or near foreclosure not only allows a family to stay in their home and continue to work at what they know, it also provides Tarini a skilled farmer. Said farmer would have to commit to organic farming and utilizing best environmental techniques which could require additional education. The farmer would then be expected to teach others in return.

Partnerships with organizations that find reciprocal benefit from a relationship with Tarini would be developed. Such organization would include: Collegiate Schools of Agriculture Collegiate Schools of Animal Science 4H and other rural/agricultural driven youth groups ASPCA, Humane, and other animal welfare or rescue facilities Various local organizations that would benefit from animal assisted therapies Professional Trade Unions The property itself must be large enough to afford the following facilities: Farm Land Dormitory Housing Grazing Land Administrative / Dining Hall / Field House Barn Guest House(s) Stable Directors Residence Maintenance Facility Pool Farm House Picnic Area Market Area Revenue Streams and Funding: While Tarini may require significant startup funding the concept is designed to generate revenue that increases over time, allowing the facility to grow and lessen its dependency on foundations and grants. Public Hours: Friday through Sunday Tarini would be open to the public. Families can enjoy a complete farm life experience, interact with animals, picnic, and shop at Tarini market. A suggested donation per person would be collected upon entrance. Tarini marketplace: The market adjacent to the facilities will be accessible to Tarini visitors from the farm, as well as to street-front shoppers. Beyond the stand of crops, the emporium will sell branded products developed at Tarini by residents. Tarini Marketplace will also have an Internet presence beyond the brick-and-mortar. Special Events: A promenade area will cater to events such as craft fairs, art show, farmers markets, various expositions, and community events. Vendors will be charged to participate. Animal Assisted Therapy: Tarini will provide sanctuary for rescued farm animals and horses, as well as ongoing therapeutic interaction with physically or mentally challenged people from organizations within surrounding communities. To that end Tarini will look to align with other nonprofit organizations, developing reciprocal partnerships that help to facilitate such endeavors. Working with outside organizations Monday through Thursday, Tarini will open the farm to people that have special needs and at-risk children, allowing them to interact with the farm animals, tend and ride horses, picnic and hike. There will be a cost for the program. Participating organizations would work with Tarini to identify sponsorship opportunities, allowing inclusion for organizations that cannot afford the fee. Guest House: The guest house will be used as a fundraising vehicle. Grants and Endowments: A consistent and diligent effort will be invested towards obtaining government and foundation grants, as well as collegiate and personal endowments. Donations: Ongoing effort will be invested towards the development and maintenance of Tarinis donor list and to the solicitation of donors. To receive a copy of the completed business plan, inquire about available board positions, or for additional information, please contact Tina Wexler at 847.926.3132, or by email to me@tinawexler.com.