A documentary series about an idea that grew beyond its roots

Produced by

With the participation of

Only on

“Soiler” Alert

A short synopsis of the series

Faye Simmons loves being outside. She loves growing things and being part of a caring, compassionate community. But those simple pleasures don't come easy for Faye. Born with a neurological disease, Faye is a wheelchair user who depends on daily help from others. As a result, Faye understands the powerful need for dignity, belonging, and helping others. It's this unique point of view that led Faye to co-found The PATCH. This remarkable organization works at the intersection of urban agriculture, food security and accessible inclusion for people of all abilities.

Beginning with The PATCH's springtime opening and progressing through the annual growing season, Faye interacts with her friends and colleagues at The PATCH daily. But her experiences reveal a contradiction: While Faye enjoys more social activities in summer, every journey is hard. Whether to her places of work as a crisis counsellor and tutor, to see her friends at The PATCH, or from bed to wheelchair - even with a PSW’s assistance - getting around is difficult. These experiences, hardly unique to Faye, demonstrate how many in our community face substantial barriers to living with dignity. Faye's compassion and determination show that everyone can make a difference, regardless of ability.

As winter approaches, Faye and her friends make the final visit of the season to an emergency shelter, bringing fresh produce from The PATCH. Helping prepare meals for the shelter’s visitors, Faye demonstrates that dignity isn’t just about meeting basic needs but about offering things many of us take for granted, including nutrition, quality, and flavour.

Returning to The PATCH, Faye finds a harvest festival celebrating the end of the season. As her community gathers around her, Faye reflects on the joyful celebration of dignity and inclusion for everyone.

Production Team

Adam Caplan

Producer & Director
Bringing the power of storytelling to new and diverse mediums for more than 3 decades, Adam founded web.isod.es in 2009 after working in film, television and digital media.
Adam recently concluded Board terms on WebSeries Canada and Ontario Creates. He previously served as the Chair of the City of London’s Screen-Based Industry Task Force and on the Boards of London’s own Grand Theatre and Museum London.
Joe Gansevles

Producer
During Joe’s career in Supported Employment and his work with Hutton House, he helped secure over 300 jobs for individuals with disabilities and barriers communities across Ontario. He brings this passion and energy to his co-hosting role on the GrowAbility webseries and podcast.
A former board member for a Land Care Association, Joe is an awarded member of the Social Services community and a recipient of the London Community Foundation’s Community Vitality Grant and Intervenor of the Year Award.
Holly Pugsley

Associate Producer
From urban farming to style consulting, Holly finds new and exciting ways to follow and merge her many passions. A graduate of Fanshawe College, Holly is a valued team member at The PATCH and brings energy, enthusiasm and style to her role as co-host on the webseries and podcast GrowAbility.
Holly's own urban farm, The Just Keep Growing Company, provides edible flowers, herbs and microgreens to clients across Southern Ontario.