Farm Graduates
Many children who have been in the Forget Me Not Farm program are now thriving as adults. Skills learned at the Farm can be transitioned into careers in horticulture, landscaping and animal care. The Farm experience empowers children, helping them to feel alive and hopeful about their future. It promotes deep, sustained healing for children living with and/or exposed to violence.
Meet “Theresa”
Theresa entered child protective services at the age of six suffering from severe abuse in a violent home. She was placed at Valley of the Moon Children’s Home and came to Forget Me Not Farm that same year as part of her school program. She really became fascinated with the animals and was able to feel secure and confident within the Farm.
For the next 11 years, Theresa was in and out of various foster homes. While she was able to visit the Farm occasionally, there was little consistency in the rest of her life. After several failed foster placements, she was moved into a treatment and assessment program at True to Life Counseling at the age of 15. Unfortunately, Theresa had made some bad choices through the years and was eventually placed into a more restrictive facility. Now at the age of 17 she still comes to the Farm and is wonderful with the animals. Her therapist remarked “Forget Me Not Farm is the one place where Theresa makes good choices.”
Children like Theresa often end up in institutions after they turn 18, however with Forget Me Not Farm’s mentoring program, Theresa will learn the technical and social skills needed to work in the real world. She will most likely continue her work in animal welfare, and she will have the training and experience to give her a chance at a productive and independent life.
For Theresa’s entire life, an important, consistent factor is the Farm and its’ volunteers, many who have been working with Theresa since she was six years old. It’s a safe haven for Theresa and an opportunity for her to make good choices and decisions that she will carry with her throughout her life.