The Farm: Where Living Things Grow, Inc. is an educational, mental health, preventive program for youth and families of all ages.  A  501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable, organization with donations tax deductible The Farm was founded in 1997.

THE FARM’S VISION:

Our vision is to help youth and families learn, grow, and heal from traumas in order to create a healthier community.  The Farm was created by two psychologists who saw the need for a program that would provide a place for people to grow, develop assets/skills, heal from traumas and become healthy, productive citizens of the community. The Farm does this by working with animals, plants, and nature (eco-therapy or eco-psychology) inour programs and activities as well as with the more traditional methods of therapy.The Farm  provides opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to learn to make healthier choices through increasing assets, skills, competencies, self-confidence, self-esteem, and leadership

POPULATION SERVED:

We work with individuals of all ages, cultures, faiths, and walks of life who want to learn, heal and grow. The Farm provides professional services for schools, faith-based organizations, civic clubs, agencies, businesses, as well as community and professional organizations.

OUR ANIMALS ARE SPECIAL! A REMARKABLE STORY ABOUT SONNY, THE DONKEY:

The Farm is a place where people as well as animals can come to heal and grow. Sonny is The Farm's donkey. He is half miniature which is an endangered breed.  He came to us after being rescued by Crossroads Donkey Rescue from being severely abused and neglected. He had no hair on his long wonderful ears and they were scarred and damaged.  One of our favorite “Sonny stories” is when he first came to The Farm. He had just arrived and was beginning to settle into his new home when we had two visitors to The Farm’s Nature Center. We had been told he was gentle from the rescue group, BUT we didn’t know him yet.  One of the visitors had just been diagnosed with cancer; the other had ridden horses for years.  We thought Sonny would probably go to the past rider; however, Sonny had other ideas! He immediately went to the one who had just been diagnosed with cancer, put his head on her chest and nickered at her!  He then wrapped his head around her neck and gave her a hug. He knew which person needed it, the one with cancer! He and this person still have a close relationship (she has recovered from cancer). This is the work of ecotherapy - people, plants, animals and nature coming together to heal and grow. One taking care of the other.

THE FARM WORKS TO PREVENT:

• Abuse and neglect
• Teen pregnancy
• Juvenile delinquency
• Substance abuse
• Violence
• Undeveloped potentials
• Family conflict

THE FARM WORKS TO DEVELOP:

• Strong youth and families.
• Value of life
• Fully functioning individuals
• Individual/family potentials
• Learning, healing & growing
• Stronger, healthier communities.
• Leadership/teamwork
• Healthy Families