Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Schwartz.
Susan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Stomping Ground Ventures, Inc. was born in 2020 out of a simple but powerful idea: meaningful work changes lives, and everyone deserves the dignity and purpose that comes with it. Opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental differences were limited, especially in rural communities. We set out to change that by creating a place where people could learn, work, and belong. We are a non-profit, private pay building a thriving community where individuals of all abilities will live, work and grow together.
It all began with five strangers with intellectual differences gathered around a kitchen table. Now, we meet twice a week in a rented space, building skills, confidence, and friendships—the Pioneers have found their purpose. We sell our homemade goods at local markets and community events to raise funds. What started as a handful of work experiences has blossomed into a clear mission: to empower adults with intellectual differences through community-based programs, job opportunities, and nature-inspired living.
As our support grew, so did our vision. In April 2024, we were gifted a 25-acre property in Wilson County that had once been a community park and mission camp. This land became our forever home and the foundation for lasting impact. Since then, we’ve been working to restore and renovate the Mission House, which will serve as the main hub of Stomping Ground Ventures, Inc., housing work programs, a commercial kitchen, and offices. Once complete, our program will expand to five days a week, focusing on building job skills and creating programs that support job training, paid employment, and community engagement. Future plans include adding a greenhouse and residential care..
Stomping Ground Ventures is turning that property into a lively, welcoming space that creates jobs, builds life skills, and strengthens the surrounding rural community. We’re still growing, building, and learning, but our mission hasn’t changed: to create a place where people of all abilities can put down roots, make a real impact, and thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it has definitely not been a smooth road, and that’s been one of our greatest teachers. One thing that has kept us going is GOD. He has been with us each and every step of the way!
Like many organizations that launched in 2020, we began during a time of enormous uncertainty. Building a new nonprofit while navigating a pandemic meant limited resources, disrupted plans, and constant pivots. Funding was an ongoing challenge, especially in the early years, as we worked to earn trust, prove our model, and stretch every dollar as far as possible.
Another major struggle has been infrastructure. Being gifted a 25-acre property was an incredible blessing, but it also came with aging buildings and deferred maintenance. Turning a former park and mission camp into a safe, accessible, and functional space for programming requires significant time, capital, and perseverance. Renovations, utilities, ADA compliance, and basic systems like roofing, plumbing, and HVAC are being tackled one piece at a time.
We’ve also faced the human challenges that come with mission-driven work—burnout, learning as we go, and advocating for adults with intellectual differences in systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. Creating inclusive, meaningful employment takes patience, flexibility, and constant problem-solving.
Despite these challenges, every obstacle has strengthened our resolve. The struggles have shaped who we are today: resourceful, community-powered, and deeply committed to our mission. Each hurdle cleared has brought us closer to building a place that truly works for the people we serve—and reminds us why this work matters so much. Since receiving the deed to the property in April of 2024 we have cleaned up the property, repaired the water well, and replaced the roof. All of this was completed by over 300 volunteers and community donations. We have successfully been awarded 2 grants. Focus on the Lord above has been our strength!
Stomping Ground Ventures, Inc. is a non-profit, privately funded organization. Support through prayer, in-kind donations, financial contributions, or volunteering keeps our mission alive. To learn more or contribute our mission, visit www.stompinggroundventures.com.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At its core, Stomping Ground Ventures is more than an organization – We are a Movement! Stomping Ground Ventures creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) to live meaningful, self-determined lives, but the driving force behind the work is deeply personal for me.
I founded Stomping Ground Ventures because I saw firsthand how capable, creative, and hardworking this population is, and how few real opportunities exist once formal schooling ends. I was not interested in building a “program” that kept people busy. I wanted to build a place where individuals are needed, valued, and expected to contribute in real, tangible ways. That belief continues to guide every decision we make.
Our work specializes in hands-on, purpose-driven employment rooted in agriculture, events, and community-based enterprise. We meet people where they are, build around their strengths, and create pathways to independence, confidence, and belonging. We’re known for doing the hard, unglamorous work—showing up consistently, solving problems in real time, and building something sustainable from the ground up rather than relying on short-term solutions.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created. Our Pioneers aren’t treated as participants—they’re teammates. They help shape the work, take pride in what they produce, and grow in ways that extend far beyond the job itself. Watching someone gain confidence, master a skill, or simply realize that they matter never gets old.
What sets Stomping Ground Ventures apart is that this isn’t theoretical for me—it’s personal. I lead with grit, accountability, and an unwavering belief in potential. I’m a builder by nature, willing to get my hands dirty, tackle setbacks head-on, and keep moving forward even when the path is unclear. Stomping Ground Ventures reflects that spirit: rooted in dignity, fueled by community, and committed to creating real work that changes lives.
Stomping Ground Ventures is the only program of its kind serving people with intellectual differences in and around Wilson County, Texas, truly stomping out limitations and cultivating possibilities!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Susan Schwartz, the founder and CEO of Stomping Ground Ventures, Inc., is happiest when she can see tangible progress—when hard work turns into something real that didn’t exist before. She finds deep joy in building: spaces, opportunities, and pathways where people are seen, challenged, and valued. Whether it’s watching a long-neglected building come back to life, seeing a Pioneer master a new skill, or witnessing someone’s confidence grow because they know their work matters, those moments fuel her.
She is also happiest when she’s solving problems alongside others. Collaboration, rolling up her sleeves, and finding practical solutions energize her far more than recognition or titles. There is fulfillment in the messy middle—in figuring things out, pushing through obstacles, and knowing that persistence is creating lasting change.
At the heart of it, Susan is happy when purpose and impact align. She believes meaningful work builds dignity, and dignity changes lives. Being able to lead with that belief, and to see it reflected in people and places every day, is why this work isn’t just what she does—it’s who she is.
Pricing:
- a low fee is required to attend the Day Program
- Call for more information – 210-632-7049
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stompinggroundventures.com
- Facebook: Stomping Ground Ventures
