Hancock County Poss-ABILITIES is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that provides opportunities for youth of ALL abilities to interact, learn, and grow with livestock. A project born out of the passion of my daughter, Emery’s; love for her sheep. I wanted to create and facilitate the same opportunities for her peers, and those who might not otherwise have access. Poss-ABILITIES is more than just livestock, we strive to build strong bonds between youth and families that will last a lifetime; I call it the ripple effect. Witnessing peers interact together over a love of animals regardless of ability is truly the most incredible project I have ever been a part of.  We focus on developing relationships between experienced youth; in the livestock industry (mentor), and any youth ages 3-25, with a physical, emotional, or cognitive disability. (participant). 

How it works:

• Youth are matched and paired together as a team (mentor and participant) based on animal species preference, age, and similar interests. Youth and families are introduced and paired at the ‘Meet & Greet’ event (which is held in the spring).

• A minimum of three farm visits are required to the mentor’s family farm leading up to the showcase. 

• The mentor and family own, feed, and house the animal. 

• This is where the mentors teach the participants all about animal husbandry, show techniques, and have fun! 

• Although the showcase is our highlight event of the year, we do work throughout the year to be a part of other livestock shows, day camps, and fun, interactive events within the community.

• The mentor/participant teams then work together in our main showcase during the Hancock County Fair to show the species of their choosing in our non-competitive showcase.

• Thanks to our sponsors and local support, this program is completely free for all families involved!

• *Families DO NOT have to be residents of Hancock County to participate, as long as travel is feasible for the family.