Jake’s Farm in the Dell moves one step closer to anticipated fall opening
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RONAN — Proactive Living Facility (PLF) is a step closer to launching Jake’s Farm in the Dell. The new home for adults with severe autism, under construction since August 2024, is expected to be complete this fall. PLF has successfully met its Phase 1 capital campaign goals for the facility and is now starting Phase 2, raising funds for a second home.
“As we kick off Autism Acceptance Month in April, we are pleased to announce a gift of $35,000 from the Gianforte Family Foundation for a commercial kitchen at Jake’s Farm in the Dell,” said Julie Janssen, PLF Board Secretary. “We’re excited about the grant. The kitchen will not only be used for daily meals to feed residents, but it will help them develop social and job skills, as they prepare food together,” she said.
“Plus, it will help Jake’s become more self-sustaining over time. Clients will be able to grow and prepare fruits and vegetables, and the kitchen can serve as a food product creation and distribution center to provide continued funding for the operation of the facility,” she added.
Founded by a group of Western Montana parents in 2018, Proactive Living Facility provides resources for developmentally disabled adults ages 18-45. “Our clients have high needs. They need someone to care for them around the clock,” Janssen said.
Jake’s will be the first center of its kind in Montana and will serve the people of Montana, Janssen said. “The need in Montana is huge. Right now, adults with severe autism who age out of the system are sent out of state since we have no facilities to help them. Parents are left to carry this burden alone.”
Situated on an 11-acre property in the Mission Valley, Jake’s Farm in the Dell will pay tribute to Janssen and husband Rich’s son Jake. Afflicted with autism, epilepsy, and diabetes, Jake passed away in 2023 at age 28.
Once built, the four-bedroom home will be a licensed facility operated by a qualified service provider to attend to clients’ needs. PLF plans to construct three additional homes similar in size and scope, to eventually serve a total of 16 residents. Janssen estimates that the first building is 30 percent complete. “The building shell is up though we still have everything else left to do including walls, flooring, furnishings, and all exterior work such as landscaping and fencing.”
The Farm in the Dell International Foundation, started in Montana 40 years ago, partners with local organizations to build community-based, self-sustaining farming homes for the disabled. “Both PLF and Farm in the Dell want to provide access to individualized education, job skills, and social skills development that enable our clients to become productive members in their community,” Janssen added.
Autism Acceptance Month in April promotes awareness and acceptance for the complex developmental condition limiting a person’s ability to interact and communicate with others. Started in 1972 by the Autism Society, Autism Acceptance Month emphasizes awareness events, educational resources, and advocacy initiatives supporting the individuals, families, and caregivers affected by autism.
“Autism awareness, for us, goes from birth until death,” said Janssen. “We hope that by bringing more attention to autism, we can create a greater community of care and compassion for people impacted by the condition.”
Proactive Living Facility welcomes the support of volunteers and donors. For more information, contact Janssen at 406-212-3023 or visit: https://proactivelivingfacility.org/.
