Summer on the FarmBlog

Summer on the Farm

“The farm awakens a part of me that makes me feel strong and peaceful.”

The summer months are busy on our 40-acre property. From healthy cooking workshops using vegetables from the farm to trauma-informed yoga under the pavilion, residents reflect and find healing in lots of ways.

Although many adult survivors living in shelter and transitional housing take part in the farm’s six-week curriculum to develop job skills while earning a weekly stipend, the commitment can be too physically or emotionally intensive for survivors who have recently escaped abuse.

“The healing garden allows survivors to be even more involved with our therapeutic horticulture and farm-to-table dining programs,” explains Hattie, a farm advocate. “Residents can help tend to flowers, vegetables, and herbs that will eventually make their way into the shelter.”

This garden is a space reserved for survivors and their children to experience the benefits of nature together without worries of making mistakes. There’s something special about eating a dinner made with ingredients you helped grow and harvest.

“It’s a chance for residents of all ages to come and experience the healing powers of the farm,” adds Ryan, an advocate focused on nature-based experiences. “Going outside is important for our brains and bodies. To come out and spend just a couple hours learning a new skill or interacting with a living thing can really make a difference in a day.”

Nature-based healing on the farm is supported by grants from United Way of the Bluegrass, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Extended Social Resources, and BGCF365.

Read the Summer 2024 Issue of Bloom

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