DURHAM — University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, the department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems (ANFS) in the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, the UNH Institute on Disability, and The Moore Center are teaming up for a free virtual screening of the award-winning documentary “Hearts of Glass” accompanied by a virtual panel discussion.
“Hearts of Glass" follows the first 15 operational months of Vertical Harvest (VH), a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse located in Jackson, Wyoming, that provides meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The film weaves the story of VH’s launch with the personal journeys of employees. Plants and people grow together in this intimate portrait of innovation, inclusion and impact (view trailer).
Participants can stream the film at their leisure from October 13-23, 2021. The film is being presented with descriptive audio and closed captioning (English and Spanish).
A virtual panel discussion with VH employees and local experts titled “Growing Food, Community and Inclusion” will be held on October 20, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. through Zoom. To view the film and attend the panel discussion, participants must register for the event.
UNH Extension Landscape and Greenhouse Field Specialist Jonathan Ebba will serve as the panel’s moderator. Ebba provides research-based education and technical assistance to growers, landscapers and horticultural professionals throughout the state and chairs Extension’s landscape and greenhouse area of expertise team.
About the event, Ebba said, “We’re excited to bring this film to New Hampshire to stimulate discussion and forge networks around creating pathways for people with disabilities to find meaningful employment in horticulture and agriculture in our region. We hope that this film and panel will be a launching point for ideas and discussion.”
Anyone who is interested in disability inclusion, sustainable food production or social entrepreneurship is encouraged to participate.
The film’s director and producer, Jennifer Tennican, explained, “The film features five main characters who range in age from their 20s to their 50s. They represent a variety of abilities, living situations, genders, education levels and interests. To show aspects of their lives inside and outside the greenhouse, my team frequently used an observational style of filming. By the end of the film, I want viewers to feel like they know the main characters and could strike up a conversation with them,” she said.
About The Moore Center
Based in Manchester, New Hampshire, The Moore Center is a state and regional innovator with more than 50 years of experience in helping people become productive, fulfilled members of the community. The Moore Center is an award-winning leader recognized for providing high quality, cost-effective services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries, as well as children and senior citizens.
About the UNH Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems
The department of agriculture, nutrition, and food systems (ANFS) in the UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture is propelled by researchers, educators, and specialists dedicated to improving health and well-being through productive and sustainable agricultural practices, resilient and diverse landscapes, and equitable food systems. We fulfill our land-grant mission by inspiring and preparing students through a combination of science-based education, experiential learning, and community engagement; conducting relevant research to advance knowledge in agriculture, nutrition, and food systems; and addressing real-world challenges by engaging the local and global community and strengthening the farm to fork to wellness connection.
About the UNH Institute on Disability
The Institute on Disability was established in 1987 to provide a university-based focus for the improvement of knowledge, policies, and practices related to the lives of persons with disabilities and their families. Its mission is to promote full access, equal opportunities, and participation for all persons by strengthening communities and advancing policy and systems change, promising practices, education, and research.
About UNH Extension
The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension strengthens people and communities in New Hampshire by providing trusted knowledge, practical education and cooperative solutions. Through partnerships with county governments, UNH Extension offices in each of the state's 10 counties are staffed by specialists, educators, support personnel and volunteers. Extension works in four broad topic areas: Youth and Family Development, Community and Economic Development, Natural Resources and Food and Agriculture. Learn more at extension.unh.edu.
