Shawnee Phillips
Letter in support of the Many Hands Sustainability Center
July 13th, 2008
When I first came to work at Many Hands Organic Farm I was 15 years old. I had gotten myself into a spot of trouble and was on probation as an end result. To keep me from seeking further mischief, my mother thought it would be a good idea for me to be at the farm while she was at work. During those summer months I enjoyed spending time with Julie's children in the fields. Having conversations about my past, my dreams for the future and expressing any strong opinions I might have I never felt judged.
There was always a feeling of ease in the fields that whatever you had to say would be heard.
Ten years later I returned to work as a CSA member. I've learned the importance of organic farming, the fine details of a plant from seedling to harvest and how our bodies react to what we eat.
Over the last four years I've become increasingly interested in how an organic farm works. There is something to be said about knowing where our food comes from. This summer I decided to start homesteading our own 1.5 acres by expanding the garden and having free range meat birds.
If it hadn't been for my experiences at Many Hands Organic Farm I might not have discovered the joy and self gratification that organic farming can give you.
Sincerely,
Shawnee Phillips