THE TALES
OF BUTTERCUP FARMS
Beginning in the 1990s, Buttercup Farms undertook significant projects in both Kenya and Africa.
Volunteers assisted Kenyans in building a school for children in of two tribal groups who had remained aloof from each other despite living in close proximity. Contact through this project drew together the community members of each group.
Other Kenyan projects related to humanitarian safaris and economic support for those living in the Nairobi slums ensued.
In Senegal, Buttercup Farms entered into partnership with the Ten Thousand Girls program the founder of which (Viola Vaughn) was honored as one of the Ten CNN Heroes in 2009. Buttercup volunteers supported the program's efforts to market goods, the profits of which go to further the participants education. The Mercantile Cafe hosted three of the young women on an internship at the store and featured items in the gift shop that were handmade by the girls in the Senegal Program.
WORLDWIDE PROJECTS
U.S.A
Buttercup Farms' core location throughout its history has been the farm on Morgan Territory Road outside of Clayton, California.
In its early days, it bore the name of Clayton Valley Farms. During this time, several idealistic American young people oversaw the care of a nationally recognized breed of Arabian race horses as well as the introduction of an ever-changing group of novices to horse behaviors and needs. The farm was a home for children adopted from poor or non-existent home situations; young people needing a place to live during high school and college; adults in the midst of problems such as divorce or addiction; and elderly people who wanted community. Everyone participated in the work of the farm to the extent of their ability.
Gradually, a one- acre market garden, which exists today, was created on the property.
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AFRICA
CENTRAL AMERICA
Peter Haas, who resided on the farm for a couple of years after attending Yale University. Like many young people who have lived and worked on the farm, he used the time to mitigate sadness and confusion in the quietly natural environment. The result of his time here was the Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) through which he aided citizens in remote areas by introducing easi and inexpensive methods for creating both clean water and electricity.
Peter is just one of the former participants in Buttercup Farms who continue to contribute to society in a way that is meaningful to them.
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CENTRAL ASIA
Buttercup Farms' Mongolia connection began in an unexpected way, but it typifies the benefits that accrue to both stateside volunteers and their international colleagues.