A Heartfelt Hike through History
Tammy Bolley-Chambers arrived at Bittersweet Farms in December 1985, just two and a half years after our founding in June 1983. Tammy remains our longest tenured employee, with 37 years of service to the Bittersweet mission. To celebrate our 40th anniversary, we sat down with Tammy for a hike down the trails of Bittersweet history.
How did you learn about Bittersweet Farms?
A high school friend of mine was working at Bittersweet and told me that I would love this job and that he felt I had a lot to give. Some of my friends growing up had disabilities, but I didn't know anything about autism specifically. He was so encouraging and said, "It doesn't matter-- they will teach you."
What were your earliest impressions of the Farm?
I was immediately impressed because the work here was so meaningful and purposeful. From the beginning, I understood my role in the lives of the participants, and I was honored to work here and have the chance to impact their lives. I also loved that hiking in the woods, caring for animals, and gardening were activities I was already actively involved in. Above all, I was drawn to supporting people, and that is what has kept me here all these years.
When did you realize this would be a long-term career and community for you?
Truthfully, I never made a conscious decision to establish a career here; I just prioritized my relationships with the participants and my role in their lives, and the rest came naturally. I have worn many hats and have had many different titles over the years, but who I am and my relationship with the people we support has never changed.
How has Bittersweet changed you?
Working at Bittersweet, I have learned to see things through many different lenses. Getting to know the participants so intimately over the years has enabled me to see the world through each of their perspectives. Understanding how they see and experience the world, especially as they navigate and overcome struggles, has made it possible for me to support each and every one of them with more dignity. The people here have changed me. We have literally grown up together. I was 23 when I started working here, and the founding residents were 18-26 at the time. Many of them are still here today, and over the last 40 years, we have all matured, grown, and become close friends.
Tell us about how the participants' growth has inspired you over the years.
Reflecting back, I can see so much progress in each participant's life, especially in the seemingly small things. I think of how anxious Steve (pictured with Tammy) was years ago and how he has grown in his ability to self-regulate and relax. I think about how it feels when a participant who is sensitive to touch chooses to shake your hand because they have grown comfortable with doing so. In addition to these everyday moments, I think of the multiple individuals who have overcome life-threatening health diagnoses, defying the odds not only to live but to thrive here at the Farm. There is really something remarkable about the holistic nature of the farmstead model and their lives are proof of its power.
What are some of your favorite memories from the last 40 years?
There are too many to count, but one of my favorite memories from the early days was one of the infamous Saturday 10-mile hikes with our founder, Bettye Ruth Kay. I used to work double shifts every Saturday, and Bettye would often work on Saturdays and lead the hikes. She was a hands-on leader and took pride in her knowledge of the trails through Oak Openings, but on this particular day, she lost her way while leading the group. We ended up circling back to the same spot three times, adding on an extra mile with each loop. The fourth time we came around to the same spot, she finally looked at me with a smile and said, "Okay, Tammy, which way do we go?" I will always remember that day, because although I had known the right way all along, I respected and trusted Bettye's leadership so much that I had remained quiet and followed. When she turned to me for guidance, I felt the respect and trust were mutual.
From your experience, how has Bittersweet changed the local community and the world?
From the beginning, we have cultivated a positive relationship with the local community and they have always supported us in return by volunteering, attending events, and donating crucial funding. That said, our impact is also national and global. Every week, I receive calls from people all over the country and world who have heard of Bittersweet Farms, are in need of a place like ours, and are longing to replicate our model to serve their family members and communities. People all over the world have founded farmstead programs inspired by their visits and their interactions with us. It would be impossible to quantify this impact on the world. We have given the gift of hope to countless individuals, families, and providers by sharing guidance and helping them to feel less alone.
Anything else you would like to share?
To our donors: thank you. You could never imagine how much your support impacts the lives of our participants. You have created opportunities for them that would otherwise not exist, and you have provided wonderful experiences to enhance their lives. They are forever grateful.
