The next time you see a Faith Farm truck picking up stuff from your neighbors you may not realize the sale of that used merchandise at their Thrift Stores helps pay for a much needed program that is restoring hope for addicts and the homeless one life at a time.
Ms. Judy Walters, Development Coordinator and Dean O. Webb, Executive Director explains:
“It’s not just about a place to shop for used merchandise and new furniture in our Thrift Stores,” said Walters. “Faith Farm Ministries on our three campuses at Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Okeechobee provides a free, 9 month faith-based addiction recovery program with residential services for more than 400 men and women who have lost control of their lives due to alcohol and/or illegal and pharmaceutical drug addictions. People of all faiths have attended and benefitted from our program.”
Everyone has a loved one, friend, sibling, parent, child, co-worker or neighbor that is suffering from addiction. This is an epidemic that most cannot afford to get the help they need. Faith Farm provides much needed help including prayer, counseling and work training.
When merchandise from the public arrives on Faith Farm trucks loaded with donated clothes, furniture, etc., the students involved in the recovery program unload the merchandise, repair it and place it on sale in the Thrift Stores. Part of their training and rehabilitation teaches students job skills and trains them to work well with others.
Faith Farm serves the ever-growing need for these rehabilitation services at no cost to their students who live on campus and receive three meals per day. Faith Farm has become a viable alternative to incarceration, saving the public thousands in tax dollars.
“Project Hope” as it is named, is the cornerstone program that helps the whole individual heal physically, psychologically and spiritually.
Ms.
Walters took me on a tour of the 90 acre facility. One of the interesting spots was a room in the warehouse where sorting of antiques is done by Ms. Gail Kricun. “She’s the expert,” Walters said.
“We get all kinds of figurines, statuary, big and small,” said Kricun, herself a former loyal customer and antique dealer who is now a valued staff member, as she held up a small statue. “It’s my job to evaluate these pieces and put a price on them. You’d be surprised at how attractive I price the occasional valuable pieces that are donated. I price them to sell so they are converted to the funds we need to support our student recovery programs.”
“Since 1951 Faith Farm has been dedicated to God’s calling of rebuilding broken lives,” explained Executive Director Webb. “Our goal is to minister to the drug addicted, the alcoholic, the destitute homeless and other hurting people by helping them rebuild their lives in accordance with the Word of God. Using Christian principles, we provide daily classes, work enhancement and a healthy living environment.”
This comprehensive program prepares students for living full and productive lives as they return to their families and communities. This 59 year old ministry is open to all, and supported by the community’s contributions at their three locations. For further information access their website:
