Roots Farm and Retreat

Today, I would love to share with you more about a magical, interesting place, “Roots Farm and Retreat”.

For me, it is very important to keep looking to connect with Mother Nature to find more pure connections with ourselves and others through Art projects and human connections. At Roots Farm and Retreat I got to meet beautiful people who are sharing the same vision of building community and safe spaces for everyone, Sheena Ben-David, Didier Boucard and Joe Brisson, the crew who care for the farm and built this beautiful vision.
We ended up having a really interesting conversation. We talked about the intention of being involved in hosting future events — realizing that there’s truly a place for everyone. It’s all about bringing people together and giving us the opportunity to connect more deeply with nature and ourselves, whether through art, meditation, music, or other meaningful activities. That kind of experience is always a blessing.

The YIPI (Youth in Policing Initiative) program

Egypt Book Discovery

Soul Circus

Here are the 5 questions that I asked:

1. Give us a small introduction about yourselves and the farm project.

Roots Farm & Retreat is a Black-led cooperative and not-for-profit farm nestled in Newington, Ontario—close to Cornwall, Ottawa, and Montreal. We’re rooted in a shared belief that land, healing and community go hand in hand.

Through the cooperative, we support BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+, and women-identifying farmers by providing access to land, shared infrastructure, and mentorship. Through the not-for-profit, we host seasonal retreats, creative workshops, and community events that prioritize holistic wellness, mental health, and artistic expression.

Whether you’re growing food, sharing stories, or simply taking a breath in nature—there’s a place for you here.

2. What is the vision of this beautiful project?

Our vision is to create a healing, inclusive, and regenerative space where people can reconnect with land, culture and each other.

On the farming side, we envision a vibrant hub for ecological agriculture and food sovereignty, supporting new and diverse growers who have often been excluded from these spaces. On the wellness side, we dream of a retreat space that nurtures mental health, creativity, and rest—where people can dance, meditate, learn, and simply be.

Ultimately, we’re growing more than food. We’re growing connection, healing and possibility.

3. What is the hardest thing you think you’re facing (the challenge)?

One of our biggest challenges is capacity. As a small, grassroots team working to build something truly community-rooted and sustainable, we’re constantly learning how to stretch limited resources—financial, physical, and emotional—while still honoring our values of slowness, care, and inclusion.

It’s also been challenging to reach and support new farmers in time for spring planting, especially those facing structural barriers. And on the not-for-profit side, finding consistent funding for mental health and wellness programming—particularly in rural spaces—remains an ongoing effort.
Still, the love, trust, and encouragement we receive from the community remind us every day that the work is worth it.

4. What are your hopes for the future?

We dream of Roots becoming a year-round sanctuary for growth—where a tomato seedling, a deep breath, and a spark of inspiration are nurtured with equal care. Soon, this dream will take shape in the form of a beautiful dome—our future assembly space for gathering, creating, and connecting through all seasons. Made possible by the generous support of the McConnell Foundation, this space will allow us to hold warmth, conversation, and community no matter the weather.

Through the co-op, we hope to welcome more emerging farmers to the land, offering the tools, mentorship, and solidarity they need to thrive. Through the not-for-profit, we envision expanding our wellness and creative offerings—land-based therapy, artist residencies, seasonal celebrations—experiences that center joy, care, and cultural exchange.

Above all, we hope Roots continues to grow as a place where healing and cultivation live side by side, and where everyone feels safe, inspired, and empowered to take root.

5. How can we get connected with the farm and get in touch with upcoming events?

We would be delighted to welcome you onto the land—whether you come to join a workshop, celebrate at a community gathering, get your hands in the soil on a volunteer day, or simply enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Roots is a place for all seasons and all people, and we believe connection starts with an open heart.

To stay in the loop about upcoming events, opportunities, and seasonal offerings: Visit our website: www.rootsfarmretreat.org Follow us on Instagram: @rootsfarmretreat Like our Facebook page: Roots Farm & Retreat or email us directly: [email protected]

We share regular updates on volunteer days, mental health and wellness workshops, creative arts events, and farmer opportunities. Whether you’re here to grow, to heal, to create, or simply to be—you’ll always be welcome at Roots.