Johanna’s Hope empowers people with different abilities and others to facilitate social connections and creates accessible environments to explore the arts and nature at Jo’s Farm and in the local community.
Jo's Story of Hope
Johanna Benthal is a gifted young adult woman who was born with a rare neurological disease, -CCM3- which causes bleeding and pressure in her brain. She had her first brain surgery at 3 months old and has had over 100 surgeries in 25 years. Despite these challenges and the accompanying disabilities, Johanna lives a joyful and hope-filled life, surrounded by family and friends who support Jo’s endeavors to live this life with grace and purpose.
Jo expresses herself and finds purpose by creating art and by playing and singing music. She has displayed her art and performed on stage at NYU Kimmel Theater in Manhattan and at other venues around the country. Jo has her very own art gallery in her backyard- “Jo’s Cottage” where she creates and displays her art and hangs out with her friends and family. These activities fuel Jo’s desire to inspire others to find their own passion to create art.
In addition to these artistic pursuits, Jo loves to connect with animals and nature. She has a wonderful, certified service dog, Rae, from Canine Companions who helps Jo with daily tasks and alerts us when Jo needs assistance.
During the pandemic, we added chickens, goats and even bees! And Jo’s Farm was born!
Jo shares her farm and her art with others in our local community to bring joy and inspire HOPE.
Objectives & Purpose
The specific objectives and purposes of Johanna’s Hope are:
- to create beautiful art through “Arts on Jo’s Farm” workshops;
- to provide access for people with different abilities to nature, gardening and farm life;
- to connect people with different abilities and their families to local communities to increase awareness, support entrepreneurial pursuits, cultivate compassion and share resources;
- to support people with different abilities and family caregivers by providing respite workshops and retreats;
- to advocate for the needs of people with different abilities and caregivers in healthcare settings;
- to inspire HOPE.