Exploring Inclusive Employment in Hydroponic Farming with Jen Tennican

About the Guest(s): Jen Tennican is a filmmaker specializing in documentary films. She began her career in the late nineties in Boston and later moved to Jackson, Wyoming, in 2002. Jen is known for her award-winning documentaries "The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads" and "Far Afield: A Conservation Love Story," both of which were distributed nationally by American Public Television. Her recent project, "Hearts of Glass," is a documentary that explores the innovative integration of a high-tech vertical hydroponic greenhouse with a social mission to employ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Jen's work focuses on creating films with community-centric themes and raising awareness on inclusive, sustainable employment practices.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Think Inclusive Podcast, Tim Villegas engages in an insightful conversation with filmmaker Jen Tennican about her latest documentary, "Hearts of Glass". The episode explores the groundbreaking social and agricultural experiment at Vertical Harvest, a cutting-edge vertical hydroponic greenhouse in Jackson, Wyoming. Notably, Vertical Harvest not only innovates local sustainable food production but also provides meaningful, competitively paid employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Throughout the episode, Jen shares her journey in making “Hearts of Glass,” highlighting the challenges and rewards of documenting the first 15 months of Vertical Harvest's operation. She emphasizes the inclusive nature of the workplace, where employees with and without disabilities work side by side as equals. Tim and Jen also discuss the social mission behind Vertical Harvest, the importance of competitive wages for workers with disabilities, and the unique high-tech systems used within the greenhouse. The episode delves into the personal growth stories of the employees, offering a touching perspective on community, dignity, and the power of inclusive employment.

Transcript: https://c80acee1-5663-46ff-a2d6-b4cf328e0b7f.usrfiles.com/ugd/c80ace_ff1ae8cc0cf94315bb7402bd14a2c2e5.pdf

Key Takeaways:

• Innovative Employment Model: Vertical Harvest integrates competitive, meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, showcasing a unique and inclusive workplace culture.
• High-Tech Sustainable Agriculture: The use of advanced vertical hydroponic systems in a purpose-built greenhouse symbolizes the future of local, sustainable food production.
• Personal Growth and Community: The film captures the personal growth and evolving interpersonal dynamics of employees within Vertical Harvest, highlighting the significant impact of a supportive and inclusive community.
• Editorial Independence: Jen Tennican maintains editorial independence in her documentary, ensuring an unbiased and authentic portrayal of the Vertical Harvest story.
• Embracing Individual Interests: The documentary features moments where employees' unique interests and personalities are celebrated, underlining the importance of dignity and respect in the workplace.

Resources:

Hearts of Glass Film: heartsofglassfilm.com

MCIE: https://www.mcie.org

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