This is a special blog contribution written by Hattie Nunley, farm advocate.

It feels like this past growing season went by in the blink of an eye.

We saw growth in our farm programming to promote nature-based healing, with over 90 farm-related support group activities offered to survivors. These activities included crafts using dried flowers, healthy cooking workshops using homegrown fruits and vegetables, and trauma-informed yoga beneath our farm pavilion.  

Paid work opportunities were also made available to shelter residents once more, with 24 residents earning supplemental income by working on the farm throughout the year. We are so proud to be able to support survivors financially through our farm stipend project and provide a safe, peaceful environment for healing and personal growth.  

Our farm-to-table dining continued this year, with a wide array of farm-fresh produce used in nutritious meals. Heirloom tomatoes, sweet peppers, zucchini, potatoes, onions, apples, and winter squash were just some of the many fruits and vegetables that found their way into our shelter kitchen to help nourish the families that were with us in 2023.  

Stay tuned for updates on what we have in store for the 2024 growing season!