Hearts of Glass follows the tumultuous first 15 months of operation of Vertical Harvest (VH), a multi-story, state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse that grows crops while providing meaningful, competitively-paid jobs for people with disabilities. The film weaves the story of VH’s launch with the personal journeys of several employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Innovation and inclusion create a fertile environment for people and plants to grow.
VH is a vertical farm on 1/10 of an acre at an elevation of 6,237 feet in Jackson, Wyoming, a mountain town with extreme seasonal fluctuations in weather, population, and demand for goods and services. The employees with disabilities, part of an underestimated, underemployed and vulnerable population, are a vital and visible part of this community-based business.
Hearts of Glass is an intimate portrait of social entrepreneurship at the intersection of disability rights and sustainable, local food production.
“A refreshing example of a social enterprise that leverages community buyin as a way to showcase and promote diverse talent.”
Elaine E. Katz, Senior VP
Kessler Foundation
JENNIFER TENNICAN
Director & Producer of Hearts of Glass
Jennifer began her documentary career in the late 1990s working on NOVA science programs for WGBH with independent producers in the Boston area. Since moving to Wyoming in 2002, she has focused on local stories. Her films explore identity, inclusion and community, and although they are rooted in Jackson Hole, they resonate far beyond the mountain west. Jennifer’s award-winning work, including Hearts of Glass, The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads and Far Afield: A Conservation Love Story, has been featured in numerous film festivals and seen on PBS. Currently, Hearts of Glass is the centerpiece of an impact campaign to improve employment and inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys rock climbing with her husband.
Mary Kiernan, CCE, AAC, MBA
Associate Teaching Professor, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics
Teaching Professor Kiernan joined Falk College’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies in 2007. Mary’s professional credentials include Certified Chef de Cuisine and Certified Culinary Educator, American Culinary Federation and Profession Chef II, Culinary Institute of America. Prior to full time teaching, she worked extensively in the industry including managing SU’s Carrier Dome executive suites catering.
She is passionate about sharing her culinary knowledge and skills with students from all majors across campus. Her interest in being a part of Hearts of Glass comes from her work within her career in the foodservice industry and working with Inclusive U students here on-campus. She believes that everyone is entitled to good food and that everyone can participate in the process of having good food.
http://www.heartsofglassfilm.com/
The Impact Campaign is focused on virtual events.
social media tags:
FB and IG: @HeartsOfGlassFilm
Twitter: @HeartsGlassFilm
