Our Story

Keswick Sensory was founded late 2022, with doors opening to families in the Summer of 2023. Like many nonprofits, Keswick Sensory was founded in response to a community need, including hundreds of families with autistic children in our area. However, the idea of Keswick Sensory was prompted much earlier and became a reality as part of a Covid silver lining.

Originally from Maryland, the Jacobson Family, includes parents Kim and Greg, and children Olivia and Owen. Early on, Owen started to show signs of having a busy mind and body, which was subsequently diagnosed as being on the spectrum. As with many families with autistic children, his parents sought out resources. They were pleased to find help both through wonderful public schools and privately, and were interested in finding activities that would be a fit for Owen. The latter proved to be more difficult, both in identifying activities and establishing fit. Also, this led to something unexpected.

One day at a corporate event, Owen had the opportunity to ride a horse at a local farm. He was in his element, like most kids, and made it clear he had no interest in dismounting. After several attempts and navigating screaming and yelling, it became clear to the Jacobson's that having a place where families with autistic children could go and let their kids "choose their own adventure" without disrupting other family experiences would be a game changer.

Several years later, early in the pandemic, the Jacobson's were blessed by the opportunity to buy a farm in Keswick, VA. Originally this was to have a space to social distance and play outside. After settling in, they decided the farm was a gift and one that should be shared. Today the farm hosts 25-40 families per year on weekends, providing a safe place for autistic children to come to learn, grow and thrive through farm-related experiences. Keswick Sensory is grateful for all of our volunteers and financial supporters (our impact is directly a result of your contributions), and is excited to be in service to our local community family's with busy minds and bodies.