The Bethel Hills Community is drawing up plans to build a new, more spacious chicken house and a commercial greenhouse after becoming the recipient of a Kubota Hometown Proud Grant for $50,000.
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The Bethel Hills Community is drawing up plans to build a new, more spacious chicken house and a commercial greenhouse after becoming the recipient of a Kubota Hometown Proud Grant for $50,000.
Dennis Kramme, development director, said Bethel Hills is always looking for grants to help provide unique opportunities to their community. Bethel Hills, located in Dutzow, provides housing to people with and without developmental disabilities in a neighborhood environment.
He said they were initially granted $10,000 for the chicken coop, which made them eligible for an additional grant for $40,000. This year Kubota began the public voting phase, allowing the surrounding community to vote for their favorite non-profit. Supporters and volunteers who voted each day during the designated time brought Bethel to top.
Kubota awarded more than $600,000 in grants to 20 community-based organizations in 2024.
“We already have a little chicken house,” said Kramme. “Some of the residents take care of them every morning and evening.”
Toosie and Kim Margolis, mother and daughter, are the primary caretakers of the miniature Sarama breed chickens. The flock is released from their coop every morning. Pretty Boy, Scruffy, Blondie, America, Whitey and Twin are just some of the chickens under their care. Kramme said they are excited to expand the chicken house and are thankful to Kubota for the opportunity.
Other residents help in the Bethel Hills garden, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, beans, chard, turnips and watermelons. The new greenhouse will allow the residents to start their crops in the early spring and transplant the seedlings to the garden.
Neal Hoeft, resident, enjoys puttering in Bethel’s garden. He’s not too keen on weeding, but faithfully takes his turn watering and picking. Hoeft explained how they collect rainwater from the roof of a nearby building to water the garden plot.
Kramme said the end goal is to have a farm store near the entrance to Bethel Hills. They would sell eggs, plants and flowers. This would add to the pumpkin patch, called Drew’s Dream, which uses part of Bethel’s property to offer pumpkins, sunflowers and gourds each fall. A special sensory garden, designed for children with disabilities, is a perfect partner for the community.
Kramme said planning for the chicken coop and greenhouse has begun. Bethel has a year to complete the project.
Bethel Hills formed in 2015, is a nonprofit, faith-based community, where residents can “live, learn, and worship together.” It was established as Advocates for Community Choice (ACC). For more information visit bethelhills.org.
