Ortt names co-founder of Homesteads of Hope in Ogden as ‘Woman of Distinction’
Homesteads is first working farm and housing community in state for people with disabilities
Press Release, State Sen Robert Ortt
Provided photo: Jennyrae Brongo was recognized in Albany on Tuesday as a “Woman of Distinction.” She was picked by State Sen. Rob Ortt for the 62nd Senate District.
ALBANY – On Tuesday night, the New York State inducted Senator Rob Ortt nominee, Jennyrae Brongo, into its 2025 “Woman of Distinction” class.
Brongo is the co-founder of Homesteads for Hope. Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate District is honored for their outstanding contributions to their communities, and this year, Brongo was Senator Ortt’s nominee from the 62nd Senate District.
“It is a privilege to nominate and induct such a dedicated, hardworking, and selfless woman to this esteemed program,” said Senator Ortt. “Jennyrae embodies the spirit of service, having created a nurturing and inclusive community where individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages thrive by being outside and working in an agricultural setting. Her work has undoubtedly changed the lives of countless individuals and families, and I can’t thank her enough for her dedication to our community.”
A resident of Ogden, Brongo has made it her mission to offer a place for individuals and families with and without disabilities to learn, work, live and grow in nature’s classroom. Their beautiful 55-acre farm is located 10 minutes west of Downtown Rochester directly on the wide waters of the historic Erie Canal.
Their classroom is in the great outdoors, which provides a peaceful and therapeutic environment for anyone who sets foot on it no matter their ability level. In the past several years, they have built a series of programs, classes, and social events that bring people together and provide a sense of community where everyone is welcome.
During a 2018 TedX presentation, Brongo said: “I don’t know where I would be without Autism. It’s like someone gave me a mission in life to be a voice for those who didn’t have one. My brother Chucky is a non-verbal hero. His story is paving the way.”
Homesteads for Hope founders Luann and Jennyrae Brongo felt hopeless trying to find services for Charles “Chucky” Brongo after he graduated from the school system at age 21. Despite unwavering advocacy and a relentless search for options, the family was not able to secure the assistance and support they needed. They spent endless days and nights praying for a miracle.
One day, Jenny & Chucky went to “Uncle Bobs” farm down the street, adventuring around the canalside farm, Jennyrae did a quick search of “Farms for Autism” and realized there were hundreds of Care Farms & Intentional Communities across the country. That evening, Luann and Jennyrae started dreaming of a better future for their family. Luann worked with Chucky on the farm and Jenny did the business planning to create the first working farm and housing community for people with disabilities in New York State.
With a bachelor’s degree in construction management engineering from Alfred State College, and 15 years of entrepreneurship, she’s turned vision into reality with the development of Western New York’s first inclusive “Learn, Work & Live” intentional community. In 2021 she was named a “Woman of Excellence” honoree by the Rochester Business Journal. Her true joy lies in constructing dreams for a better future for all families.
