AREA NONPROFITS BRING NEW LIFE TO LOCAL FARM
CARING, Inc. and Meaningful Purpose have partnered
to revive Reed’s Farm in Egg Harbor Township.
Thanks to a partnership between two local nonprofit organizations, Reed’s Farm in Egg Harbor Township will once again offer nourishment for the bodies and souls of area residents. The 72-acre property, which has not produced produce for public sale since late 2014, will soon be the site of two CARINGHouse group homes, as well as a working farm and animal rescue maintained by Meaningful Purpose.
CARING, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that works to prevent the premature institutionalization of seniors and adults with disabilities, purchased the property in February of 2020. CARING, which currently operates senior affordable housing, day programs for seniors and disabled individuals, assisted living programs in four counties, and 55 CARINGHouse group homes throughout New Jersey, is in the process of subdividing two small parcels within the farm to be used for the construction of two new group homes, each of which will accommodate four or five adults with developmental disabilities.
The remainder of the property will be operated by Meaningful Purpose, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a local farm that will serve as an animal rescue, a platform for sustainable organic farming, and an employer for individuals with special needs. The residents of the CARINGHouse group homes located on the property, as well as other CARINGHouse residents and other adults with developmental disabilities, will have the opportunity to work on the farm.
“We’re excited to play a part in the restoration of this historic farm, and we look forward to the benefits it will bring to our CARING residents, and to the community at large,” said Joseph Dougherty, Executive Director of Operations for CARING, Inc. “Area residents will have access to organic produce and free-range eggs, and our clients will have the chance to learn new skills and to do productive and rewarding work. This partnership truly does give the property a Meaningful Purpose.”
Under the direction of Board President Cookie Till and Chairman Lenny Varvaro, Meaningful Purpose has already constructed a free-range chicken coop and has begun raising more than 30 chicks to eventually produce organic free-range eggs. After stabilizing the soil to improve its ability to produce organic crops, Meaningful Purpose will soon begin planting crops on approximately one acre of the property. In addition to expanding the crops in future years, other plans for the farm include a barn, community center, greenhouses, and farm store, creating a welcoming and inclusive community hub. “The overarching goal is a place for the community to interact with animals, to obtain healthy, organic food, and to just experience nature in a beautiful setting,” said Till. “Everyone is welcome, and we’re always looking for volunteers who want to get their hands dirty.”
For more information about Meaningful Purpose or the progress on the farm, visit “A Meaningful Purpose” on Facebook or TheMeaningfulPurpose.com. For more information about CARING, Inc. or CARINGHouse Projects residences for adults with developmental disabilities, visit CaringInc.net.
