Kim Ladue
Letter in support of the Many Hands Sustainability Center
July 19th, 2008
I am a working shareholder on Many Hands Organic Farm, in Barre, Massachusetts. I came to know of Many Hands Organic Farm, purely from personal interest, as an individual concerned about the safety of our food supply and a beginner gardener with interest in learning how to grow/preserve my own food.
I am also a registered nurse of 23 years with certification as a Holistic Health Nurse and accreditation as a Holistic Health Practitioner with expertise in an integrative approach to health and nutrition. As a business owner, I provide individual and small group health and nutrition counseling, cooking classes and community workshops.
My involvement at Many Hands Organic Farm provides me with a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate food from seed to harvest. I feel this is absolutely necessary for anyone working in the health/nutrition field. I have been working with Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge on their farm for 3 years now.
I share this personal/profession information to allow some insight with regard to my ultimate motivation for the work I do "on the farm".
I have never met two individuals more committed to community than Julie and Jack, so I was not surprised when I learned of the wonderful invitation they extended (last year) to a group of men, involved in work- release program, from Worcester County Jail. One of Julie and Jack's passions is to share their farm, their expertise and life experiences with anyone interested, with the end goal being- to help every individual coming to the farm, a deeper under-standing and appreciation of themselves, the environment and their food. The energy felt walking about the farm is one of non- judgment, honoring diversity, and allowing the freedom of self exploration while experiencing a passion for nature and its abundance.
At any time on the farm, you may: see individuals having a deeply heartfelt conversation, while weeding- so involved in their experience, they take no notice of oppressive heat/sun; hear singing (led by Julie) while harvesting vegetables in the pouring rain; or hear roars of laughter from light hearted teasing while hand picking potato bugs off potato plants.
The farm is a place of honoring the truths of our life stories. The men on the work- release program often open up while performing farm chores, and share their personal stories (including past traumas, addictions, challenges with the law and hopes and dreams for the future). Once these men (young and old) are allowed to share who they are, without a feeling of condemnation, and they are allowed to learn a skill (become very adept at something they would never have tried) and feel the pride/gratitude for a job well done, they begin to open in ways that have been stunning. The farm offers the opportunity to see and experience humanity (of self and of others), to be allowed have the support of others to realize how imperfect life really is and to be accepted in a loving community.
The men are often amazed by the very difficult physical demands of farm life, and initially are not so enthused about getting very dirty and very sweating (or very wet and cold). The adjustments to the physical demands can be just as difficult for some, as learning how to work through frustrations of chores that are not so "exciting" (like weeding) or working with individuals they are in conflict with. The challenges on the farm have created a deeper self awareness for these men with a realization of learning new coping skills they had not anticipated. One of my favorite observations is when the men have come to a place of pushing through the challenges of farm life, have enjoyed the work so much, they have become employed by the farm and bring their children to the farm, to pass on their experiences to their children. The children glow with new found respect for their fathers, and enjoy their very special time exploring the farm.
Often times, Julie will take different men in to help prepare our farm lunch. Most all these men have their eyes open to learning how to prepare delicious food, and cooking whole food on a wood stove (without use of a microwave, for the first time in their lives). We break at noon, for a prayer circle (all holding hands) and a sharing of delicious food and an account of the days work. This experience, is often most of the men, have never had as well.
Many Hands Organic Farm is not only a beautiful piece of farm land teeming with life, it is a magical opportunity for transformation, for all who dare! Like a small stone thrown into a pond, the positive energy emitting from this special place, has had profound ripple effects- touching numerous lives and having a powerful impact on the futures of men and their families, who might otherwise not have a future.
Since the profound effect Many Hands Organic Farm is not so obviously seen, it may not be considered as crucial as other community "programs". As a concerned citizen and medical professional who has had first hand experience with its amazing impact, I would implore all that have the opportunity to assist this amazing farm in any way possible, to do so, so that our communities' overall health, may continue to be enhanced!
With sincerity and gratitude,
Kim Ladue