The need for Benevolence Farm exists because over 3,500 women are released from North Carolina prisons each year and the majority of re-entry programs in our region target men and/or are short-term. Benevolence Farm will offer safe, stable housing, employment that is meaningful and fulfilling, opportunities to grow skills – life and career – nutritious food, and physical exercise for up to two years.
Residents will be contributing to the operations of the farm, essentially paying part of their own
expenses through their labor contribution – thereby securing their involvement with the program and having
the time and space, figuratively and literally, to make real, lasting changes. The lengthier stay of up to
24 months reflects research that shows more time is necessary to establish a firm footing for complete
independence and staving off recidivism. Benevolence Farm draws upon a number of best practices with the
results being good for women and their families, the greater community, the communities to which the women
return, the farmland, the economy, and the earth. The concept was also recognized as a successful model for
sustainable enterprise when Benevolence Farm was chosen as one of four finalists in PBS NOW's "Project
Enterprise Contest".
[see:
www.pbs.org/now/enterprisingideas/poll.html]
