Benevolence Farm

Programming will be based upon the individual needs of each resident utilizing evidence-based cognitive-behavioral approaches as well as gender-specific trauma informed treatment methodologies including self-efficacy, psycho-educational, and intensive case management. Multi-stage programming will include pre-screening and an initial intervention while the women are still incarcerated with self-paced progression once on the farm. Benevolence Farm will offer structured follow-up and support to women who complete the program to ensure their success once back in the larger community. Residents will receive positive incentives and rewards, proven to effectively change behavior, such as a living wage for their work within the farm enterprise, opportunities for mentoring, occasions to celebrate milestones, visits with children, family, and support networks, and chances to explore various career paths such as sustainable farming, marketing, finance, customer service, culinary arts, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. Residents will develop technical skills that are transferable, in fields for which there is a ready job market, and for such a period of time as to be truly valuable. Benevolence Farm is unique in combining a sustainable environment with a holistic social service mission thereby creating a mutually beneficial relationship enabling the healing of people with and through the healing of the earth.