Family Harvest Farm = Courage, Joy, Introspection for Transition Age Youth

Often, Youth Homes staff is asked why we do what we do. What motivates us to keep going? The answer is simple: each Youth Homes team member is fiercely committed to supporting youth, young adult, and family well-being.

What drives that commitment? Positive outcomes! We cherish stories of success, big and small. Our youth face unthinkable challenges and not only overcome them but are thriving doing it. This is what motivates us to keep going! We checked in with one of our Transition-Age Youth clinicians and learned about Abby* and her phenomenal progress connected to her work experience at the Family Harvest Farm.

Clinician Olivia* has worked with Abby since she became a client of the Youth Homes Transition-Age Youth (TAY) program at 17; Abby is now 24 years old. Olivia has supported and empowered Abby through difficulties in high school, completing graduation, trying college, and working various jobs.

Last March, Olivia learned of an opportunity at Youth Homes’ partner, Family Harvest Farms, in Pittsburg, CA. Readers might remember we wrote about our partnership in our Fall 2020 newsletter--much progress has been made on the land since! Knowing that Abby might enjoy the outdoor setting, Olivia encouraged Abby to submit an application to work at the farm. Initially, Abby was hesitant; it took a month of supportive conversations and building courage, but at last, she felt ready to complete the application.

Shortly after, Abby was accepted into the workforce development program and became part of the initial team that worked the land and has since enjoyed the opportunity of seeing the garden grow from the ground up! Abby planted, grew, maintained, expanded, harvested, and much more during this last year.

The consistency in schedule and responsibility fulfilled Abby’s preference for a structured work environment. Purposeful work in the garden allowed her freedom, creativity, and self-expression to grow as an individual, much like the plants and vegetables she cultivated.

Abby also enjoys the community she has built by being a part of it. She has made friends, which in the past has been challenging for her, and enjoys working alongside her teammates. She also feels free to work in solitude when feeling introspective. Abby is inspired by the donations of the food harvested and given to homeless folks and feels a true sense of ownership in the aspects of the garden she manages. Her dedication and professionalism have not gone unnoticed. She has been asked to continue her work in the garden as a mentor for new youth joining the team for the following year.

We spoke with Garden Manager and former foster youth Mary Cherry who has also impacted Abby tremendously. Mary gathers the garden team at lunchtime for “farmer chats,” where the group discusses a myriad of topics, some light-hearted, and some provoking deep conversation and opportunities for healing. As a former foster youth herself, Mary understands deeply the importance of the work that is happening at the farm. The land is being used for good and provides nourishment.

At the same time, transition-age youth are building independent living skills, like teamwork, communication, food education, and accountability. Some are making friendships and connections with others who have similar experiences for the very first time. These are all vital, critical skills and experiences for young people processing trauma.

When referring to her work, Olivia says, “It’s so amazing; I love the job that I do. If I make no other impact in this work, it’s clients like this who make a difference in my life. She’ll say things back to me that I planted as seeds many years ago.”

*Clinician and client names changed for privacy.