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Posted: Dec 15, 2010, 08:06
GOULD FARM
New Perspectives
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Monterey, Massachusetts
Donna Burkhart
Director of Client Services
413-528-1804 ext 14
dburkhart@gouldfarm.org
www.gouldfarm.org
Gould Farm is a well established and unique private, non-profit residential therapeutic community originally founded in 1900 by William J. Gould, a visionary and pioneer in social reform. Situated on 630 acres, 500 which are designated as a "Model Forest", Gould Farm is for adults ages 18 and over, who are coping with mental illness, including: schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, schizoaffective disorders and depression. With an average length of stay running from six to nine months, Gould Farm also offers a continuum of care facility in the Boston area available to guests who have completed the program on the farm.
Executive Director of Gould Farm is William Johnson; Stephanie Branca is the Clinical and Program Director of the Boston area programs and Forestry Manager is Bob Rausch, who has been with the Gould Farm for over 30 years. All guests are assigned a member of the clinical team, who provides one on one therapy, coaching and case management from guests arrival to transition planning and departure. In addition, clinicians work in collaboration with the residential and work team staff.
This working farm provides a family like community, where everyone works together to operate the organic garden and farm; an on-site bakery, maple syrup operation and the forestry and grounds team, a beginning point for new arrivals. Here guests (as they refer to the clients) learn basic job skills that include punctuality and team work in addition to getting to know their surroundings. Other work programs include the farm, where guests take care of and maintain the many animals including cattle, hens and pigs; harvesting hay and all aspects of running a farm. The kitchen team prepares food three times a day for all, learning and using the produce and products grown on the farm and the maintenance team helps to maintain the 35 buildings on the farm in addition to learning skills needed for independent living.
Socialization is important for growth and the farm provides ample opportunities for guests to interact with trips to museums, the movies and theater, bowling and camping, in addition to shopping trips, transportation to religious services and "on farm" activities including art, music, dance, writing and poetry reading and classes and workshops of interest.
[This information came from the Gould Farm website.]
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