Kadeem Brogan stood before a group visiting Broganville’s Farm on a recent morning, welcoming families and case workers from the Young Families of Indiana Network’s Future Promises program.
The Marion County program serves teen parents and their families. During the visit, Brogan led the group through animal pens housing a variety of animals, including peacocks, goats and pigs. Visitors held chickens, rode horses and spent time interacting with the animals.
As he guided the group across the property, Brogan’s message extended beyond the farm itself.
“Let’s just work on trying to be a little friendlier in this world we live in,” Brogan said. “We all have to live here together. We all need to take care of each other.”
That philosophy drives Broganville’s Farm, which Brogan describes as a place where people can both relax and find emotional healing.
“Inside these gates, you can get freedom,” he said.
Brogan, 32, grew up on the far east side of Indianapolis with five siblings. After graduating from Warren Central High School, he served six years as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force.
When he returned to Indianapolis in 2020, he began what would eventually become Broganville’s Farm.
“Somebody said they were selling a horse,” Brogan said. “He told me how much it cost, and I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll buy it.’ Then after that, I stumbled upon this.”
The property that is now Broganville’s Farm had been used largely as a junkyard, Brogan said. While working as a truck driver, he spent his free time cleaning and restoring the land.
“I saw the vision for what we could create,” he said.
Today, the farm includes multiple animal enclosures, a barn, a fishing pond and a playground. Two buildings sit on the property, including one where Brogan lives.
Brogan said he hopes the farm exposes more people to agriculture and outdoor experiences.
“They have to see somebody of their color obtaining this type of stuff, so they know this is a field for them,” he said.Brogan’s family plays a key role in running the farm. Siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews help care for the animals and assist during events.
The farm offers scheduled visits, summer camps and community gatherings. For Brogan, this work is an extension of his desire to serve others.
“When the people come, I’m just super ready to go,” Brogan said. “It’s just what I love to do, and when you’re doing what you love, it makes life easy.”
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Inside Broganville’s Farm, visitors experience ‘Freedom’
Reporting by Christine Tannous, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Christine Tannous, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
