Shiloh- Abbott Ranch

Thrilled to see this happen!!!!

Thank you Joy in the Journey LLC for all you are doing!!!

Go Ava!!!

USC Aiken graduate with Down syndrome starts career at Lexington therapy center Ava Shahbahrami recently graduated from USC Aiken and is starting her career at a pediatric speech and occupational therapy center.

We love you Farwick Family!! Praise the Lord!!! Praise the Lord for your family!!!

Yesterday a well known YouTuber, Jesse Ridgway announced to the world that he and his wife aborted their baby due to a prenatal diagnosis of down syndrome.

I will not debate freedom of choice with anyone. What I will say is that we are saddened that the Ridgeway Family was so misinformed and so under-educated about Trisomy 21 that not only did they make a very personal (and in my opinion tragic decision), but in doing so they helped to perpetuate the stereotypes and misinformation that so many of us in the down syndrome community work hard to combat every day.

We are so sorry that you were misinformed, Jesse. But we are here to tell you and the world that our child is in fact not “objectively sh*tty from a health perspective”. (Yes, that is a direct quote.) In fact, our child is sturdy as an ox and has more energy that should be allowed in a little human body. He is also loving and kind. He is compassionate and he is smart. Did I mention that he is also funny? That kid has the kind of comedic timing that cannot be taught. It is just his nature.

People often ask (criticize) us for being so active on social media with Wilson. This story right here is exactly why we do what we do. Each day we try to reach just 1 more person to show them what a meaningful and full life someone with down syndrome can live.

The Ridgways have a huge social media following. Their influence and how they have handled this tragic situation is going to have far reaching negative implications in our community. Now more than ever we have to be vocal and share what life really looks like in a family with a child who has down syndrome.

We also struggled with their posts in feeling like they were posted for reaction. For more clicks. More follows. This is a deeply personal situation and should never have been used for self promotion.

And yes, we will speak to that as well. We often get asked about “all the money” we make off social media and our cookbook with Wilson. And yes, we do monetize on social media and do earn book royalties. But you know what that money does? It allows us to support things like Special Olympics, local special needs sports activities, our local Down Syndrome group, activities at Wilson’s school and classroom and just this coming week we are hosting a camp at our church for children with special needs. So yes, while we do earn a little income from our social media presence everything we do is in support of Wilson and advocating for our special needs community.

While we are at it we will also point fingers at the medical community who continues to put fear into expectant parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis like ours. Doctors – do better. Be better.

As for us, we are only ever a phone call or message away for anyone who has questions about what our lives look like. I can only hope that some messages of positivity and strength can come from this otherwise sad story.

www.shilohcommunities.com

We would greatly appreciate your support and prayers!!

🌟 Where Every Ability Thrives 🌟

At Shiloh Communities, we believe every person is created with purpose, value, and unique gifts to share. Our vision is to create a Christ-centered community where individuals with disabilities can live, learn, and earn while experiencing true belonging and meaningful opportunities.

Through our working ranch, educational programs, employment initiatives, and future residential community, we are building a place where abilities are celebrated, independence is encouraged, and lives are transformed.

Today, we are inviting you to be part of that vision.

🎯 Our $350,000 Capital Campaign is now open!

Your support helps us lay the foundation for a sustainable future that will impact generations of individuals and families throughout South Carolina.

Together, we can create a community where every ability thrives.

To learn more, get involved, or make a contribution, visit:
🌐 Shiloh Communities⁠

What a blessing today was at Shiloh Abbott Ranch!

Katherine Andes arranged to have a car load of flowers brought here today! She came along with Wes to plant flowers! God had an even bigger surprise in store. A wonderful group from the Joy Day Program showed up ready to work, and they absolutely poured their hearts into the project.

Together, they worked tirelessly and transformed the ranch, planting three beautiful flower sections that will be enjoyed by everyone who visits. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and teamwork were incredible to witness.

Days like today remind us that when people come together with willing hearts, beautiful things happen. We are so grateful for Katherine, the Joy Day Program, and every volunteer who helps make Shiloh a place of beauty, belonging, and purpose.

And we snuck a farm tour in!!!

Thank you for investing your time and talents into our mission. Your fingerprints are now all over the ranch—in the best possible way! 🌸🌼🌺

What a wonderful day at Shiloh Abbott Ranch yesterday!

We were honored to host the Columbia Diplomats for a visit to the farm.

We toured the property, shared lunch together, and had the opportunity to share the vision of what God is doing through Shiloh Communities and Shiloh Abbott Ranch. It was a blessing to connect with community leaders and talk about our mission of creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to live, learn, and earn.

Of course, the true star of the day was Jalapeño the cat, who quickly became everyone’s favorite and stole the show!

Thank you to the Columbia Diplomats for spending part of your day with us. We are grateful for your interest, encouragement, and support as we continue to grow and serve our community. 🐴🐐🐱❤️