Johanna’s Hope empowers people with all abilities to facilitate social connections and create accessible environments to explore the arts and nature at Jo’s Farm and in the local community.
Jo's Story of Hope
History
Johanna Benthal is a gifted young adult who was born with a rare neurological disease which causes bleeding and pressure in her brain.
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.
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.
During the pandemic, we added chickens, goats, and bees! And Jo’s Farm was born!
In 2021, we started inviting friends in our local community to visit Jo’s Farm to connect with nature, discover art, and inspire HOPE.
Jo continues to share 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 all abilities to nature, gardening, and farm life
- to connect people with all abilities and their families to local communities to increase awareness, support entrepreneurial pursuits, cultivate compassion, and share resources
- to support people with all abilities and family caregivers by providing respite workshops and retreats
- to advocate for the needs of people with all abilities and caregivers in healthcare settings
- to inspire HOPE
Johanna’s Hope empowers people with all abilities to facilitate social connections and creates accessible environments to explore the arts and nature at Jo’s Farm and in the local community.



Aug 13
I love the gardens in the dark and in the rain and thunder. What a beautiful 4th watch before the dawn. It’s the holy time when Jesus walked on the water and calmed the seas; when our hearts and minds are quiet before the dawn. @johannashopeinc we welcome the rain and storms because God helps with the watering and feeds are thirsty souls and plants with a reprieve from August heat. The rains will clear for our 5th Annual fundraiser tonight. Even if there’s some drops, we’ve got a tent (thanks @mattitucklionsclub ), fun lights, and we even have a boat! 😂🛶 It’s all about hanging onto HOPE as the anchor for our souls. ⚓️❤️#disabilityawareness #hopeanchorsthesoul #abilitynotdisability
Aug 11
@johannashopeinc we are making an impact one day, one smile and one person at a time for people with disabilities in our very local community. We are a small nonprofit inspired by my daughter Johanna’s desire to share her love for art, nature and community. @sbenthal and @eileenbenthal started @johannasfarm to keep Jo busy during the pandemic when all the programs shut down. In 2021, Assemblywoman @jodigiglio brought some friends from @maryhavenli and MaryHaven started bringing groups to visit and enjoy creating art projects on Jo’s Farm. In 2022, we formed @johannashopeinc and became a 501c3 to fund the projects and protect Jo’s legacy of HOPE. We’ve expanded slowly to include guests artists, expand accessibility and focus mostly on providing for a space for individuals with more complex needs who bring their own one to one support. People like my daughter Jo are often barred from participating in typically NYS funded programs because they require 1:1 support for all ADL’s and medications. “Build it and they will come” is literally what we did in simply providing forJo’s needs. We found the HOPE we needed as an anchor for our souls and decided to share it with others!
At our 5th fundraiser we will be celebrating Jo’s 30th birthday!!!
Come- honor Jo and support her favorite mission of HOPE!
Link to register is in bio. People with disabilities come for free. Discounts available for caregivers, advocates and others. @marianna_rg621 @liz.786 @lafnatlife
“Anchors Aweigh” was the name of the 1st Cardboard Boat created by @johannashopeinc. It means to pull up the anchors that weigh us down to sail the seas freely. While it was our HOPE to build a boat that would go into the water and race at the @riverheadchamber 16th annual boat race- life got in the way as it often does when living with disabilities. But instead of giving up, we found a way through the storm by hanging onto HOPE! Our friends helped us paint and construct a boat that that attached to Johanna’s wheelchair instead. We couldn’t get into the water but we could be present for the festivities and we won an award for “Unsinkable Spirit”!
Thanks to all who encouraged and supported us in so many ways especially @gabrielsenscountryfarm @joannwaski @jodigiglio @marianna_rg621 @liz.786 @danrusso1970 @sbenthal @eileenbenthal @johannasfarm @reggietunesentertainment #Join us at our upcoming fundraiser on August 13th. Link in bio!#disabilityawareness #abilitiesnotdisabilities #visabilitymatters
“Anchors Aweigh” was the name of the 1st Cardboard Boat created by @johannashopeinc. It means to pull up the anchors that weigh us down to sail the seas freely. While it was our HOPE to build a boat that would go into the water and race at the @riverheadchamber 16th annual boat race- life got in the way as it often does when living with disabilities. But instead of giving up, we found a way through the storm by hanging onto HOPE! Our friends helped us paint and construct a boat that that attached to Johanna’s wheelchair instead. We couldn’t get into the water but we could be present for the festivities and we won an award for “Unsinkable Spirit”!
Thanks to all who encouraged and supported us in so many ways especially @gabrielsenscountryfarm @joannwaski @jodigiglio @marianna_rg621 @liz.786 @danrusso1970 @sbenthal @eileenbenthal @johannasfarm @reggietunesentertainment #Join us at our upcoming fundraiser on August 13th. Link in bio!#disabilityawareness #abilitiesnotdisabilities #visabilitymatters
Jul 21
Independence means different things to everyone. For people with disabilities access is the bridge to living a life filled with meaning and purpose. @johannashopeinc we make space for people with disabilities to come together on @johannasfarm to explore nature, art and build a community of HOPE.
Our annual fundraiser is just around the corner!
THURSDAY AUGUST 13, 5-8pm
Register now as space is limited.
Celebrate Johanna’s Hope AND Jo’s 30th birthday!
Link is in the bio. @liz.786 @eileenbenthal @marianna_rg621
Jun 30
Friends of @johannashopeinc were grateful to be included again for a relaxing sail on the @impossibledreamcatamaran . I was proud to represent Assemblywoman @jodigiglio and present Impossible Dream with a Citation on behalf of the Assemblywoman and the New State Assembly to honor Impossible Dream for their wonderful mission supporting people with disabilities. @caninecompanionslongisland and @canineorg represented well with Service dog Thomas and local puppy in training! It was a beautiful day on Greenport Harbor sailing on the waters of HOPE. Inclusion doesn’t get much better than this! Thank you, Impossible Dream!
Apr 25
Busy April @johannashopeinc starting with spring planting with hearty pansies. Thanks to @gabrielsenscountryfarm for the donations of plants and supplies!
Hope springs eternal for all our friends ready for this new season with more exciting announcements to come!#hopeanchorsthesoul #disabilityawareness #abilitynotdisability
Mar 22
Irish eyes et all were smiling at our annual St Patrick’s Day gathering as we start our 2026 season of Johanna’s Hope with all of our friends! We have great year planned ahead for another year of Hope! #hopeanchorsthesoul #abilitiesnotdisabilities #disabiltyawareness
Feb 12
The world is a better place today as our friends @johannashopeinc gathered to celebrate, create and spread some LOVE by making Valentines for our families and Senior Citizens for @townofriverhead Operation Valentine! After a fun gathering at Jo’s Farm including a visit from Jo’s chickens and some deer friends 🦌🦌-we brought our Valentines to the Senior Center where they will be distributed to local residents at the center and through the Meals on Wheels program. It was so good to be together to spread a little love and Jo got to show her friends her 11ft Valentine tree❤️❤️❤️🎄🎄!
Happy birthday Paul @drum_4000 !
Dec 16
It’s a wrap! Johanna’s Hope celebrated our end of the 2025 season with a little Christmas magic @gingerbreaduniversity @hallockvillemuseumfarm. Our friend and Assemblywoman @jodigiglio came by to celebrate and award all our participants with special certificates from Gingerbread University. A great Christmas celebration-lots of laughter and songs and end of the year party fun was had by all! See you all in February!
@maryhavenli
Nov 27
We spent the month of November focusing on practicing gratitude. Our first gathering we created gratitude trees to take home and one to leave at Jo’s Farm. The gratitude trees became the centerpiece for our Friendsgiving celebration last week. As our community grows and shares their gratitude, our hearts grow wider and closer. I never imagined that a pandemic, some chickens, goats and a dream could lead to this. So grateful today and always for @johannashopeinc
Oct 23
A beautiful day @stakeysfarm with a special thank you and Happy Birthday to Farmer Jim and Regina Stakey. It was a wonderful outing with our friends from @maryhavenli and @johannashopeinc. @johannasfarm and @eileenbenthal Jo was blessed and encouraged with a little help from her friends.
Oct 15
Doing fun October things with our friends .
We are on a mission to inspire creativity and build a community of HOPE. 🎃🦋@johannashopeinc on @johannasfarm @sbenthal @eileenbenthal
A lesson in Divine Providence. 🕊️ On Jo’s Farm, we are learning to Just Bee Happy! 🐝🌞 Last winter the bees died. In the spring I was too overwhelmed to start again so I told the Lord, “if you want bees on Jo’s Farm again, send the 🐝🐝🐝. “ So here we are!
It’s no wonder when you see the vibrant life still blooming here in every season- both in the natural world and human life- that the bees returned. Special thanks to our dear friends and bee keepers, @sarasp531 and Chris Kelly @promiselandapiaries for the inspiration and care and to @rewildlongislandnorthfork and @herrickslanefarm for our beautiful native garden and thriving herbs in every season. Life is beeautiful ! #hopeanchorsthesoul
Aug 24
Follow us @jamesportfire department 5k!
#team @johannashopeinc We are champions with a purpose!
Good morning from @johannasfarm !
Final days to get your tickets for our special fundraiser and celebration of @johannashopeinc!
Visit https://johannashope.org/ Johanna’s Hope – Exploring Art & Nature at Jo’s Farm for tickets.
People with disabilities come as guests. Family and professional caregivers including anyone who serves disability communities are discounted as well. Tickets include 10 raffle tickets, full dinner, all drinks and desserts! Games and live music by @reggietunesentertainment and @officialmarkmk !
Join us as we build a community of HOPE!
#disabilityawareness #hopeanchorsthesoul
Thanks so much to @dog_vinci for this week’s “Arts on Jo’s Farm” program here on Jo’s Farm with all our friends @johannashopeinc.
Creating “Art from the heart” is even better with Picasso the painting dog leading the way! Our program meets once a month February and March 2 times a month from April through November, ending the year with a special holiday party in December. Our yearly fundraiser is next week and your donations allows us to continue building a community of HOPE to support people of all abilities and families who care for loved ones who need our support. People with disabilities attend the fundraiser for free. Special discounts for caregivers. Link is in the bio. Register today! #disabilityawareness #hopeanchorsthesoul
Jul 31
Take 9 minutes of your busy day to learn what happens when beautiful people, dogs and art come together. “Art from the Heart” happens every time we come together @johannashopeinc. This week we welcomed renowned artist-Yvonne Dagger and her CC Therapy Dog/Artist Picasso @dog_vinci to teach us about the beauty of life and art. Thank you @dog_vinci for brightening our day and teaching us beautiful things about art and life! Support Johanna’s Hope and more “Art from the Heart!” Link in bio. #disabilityawareness #abilitynotdisability #artist #dogsofinstagram
Jul 25
It’s the SWEETEST time of year! Bottling @promiselandapiaries honey to give out as favors for our yearly @johannashopeinc fundraiser on Jo’s Farm. Tickets include 10 raffle chances, @mapletreebbq, @peconicbayvineyards, and homemade desserts by @johannasfarm . Live entertainment by @officialmarkmk and @reggietunesentertainment . Discounted tickets for professional and family caregivers and people with disabilities attend for free. Space is limited. Purchase your tickets today or make a donation to sponsor an adult with special needs. Link in bio. @eileenbenthal @sarasp531 @rewildlongislandnorthfork @liz.786 @drum__4000 @honor.thy @byolivia.marie @marianna_rg621
We owe a very special thanks to @impossibledreamcatamaran and @rick_rempe_live for hosting participants and friends of @johannashopeinc on their completely accessible catamaran for a beautiful summer sail. Access to beauty in nature is a priority for @johannashopeinc ! ⛵️👩🦼➡️
Jun 17
It was an INSPIRING SPRING here @johannasfarm as we hosted our @johannashopeinc “plant and grow” workshops from March through early June!
We welcomed back Meyer from @caninecompanionslongisland and to continue his lovely golden adventures as an integral part of Jo’s life and the lives of all our friends here at Johanna’s Hope. Special thanks also to Emily Gabrielsen @myeightboys for sharing her time, resources and ❤️ with all of for container planting. We added more stepping stones and flowering perennial seeds to Tara’s Garden @rewildlongisland and hoped for the warmth of the sun! This weekend we will be a stop on the @rewildlongislandnorthfork garden tour. See their IG to sign up and come visit us! HOPE BLOOMS HERE!
#disabilityawareness #hopeanchorsthesoul #johannasHOPE.
May 26
Springing into art with raised canvas and paints. Our friends inspire all of with their determination and creativity. We do Art with a Purpose- to inspire HOPE. #disabilityawareness #hopeanchorsthesoul #abilitiesnotdisabilities
May 18
Johanna’s Hope 2025 season is in full swing! Time to catch up on our IG reels! After our holiday break, we host one program for February, one for March and then April we return to 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. If you are an art creative and nature lover come message me to volunteer to assist or teach a class! Special thanks to @annejcakesandcookies for making our February opening extra sweet by teaching cookie decorating from the ❤️! Lots of Love to go around! #disabilityawareness #disabilityadvocate #hopeanchorsthesoul
In this season of HOPE we fondly recall some of the very special times and people who inspire us to continue the mission to build a Community of Hope right here @johannasfarm. We appreciate all of you who donate your time and treasure to inspire hope. Thank you today and always.♥️