By Tammy Thornton
Enlightened Farm in Egg Harbor City was all abuzz with more than bees and flowers at their Enlightened Farm Field Day held on Saturday, August 22. Local vendors offered jewelry, specialty mushrooms, and fresh-squeezed fruit smoothies, while henna artist Elisa painted her beautiful body art creations. Gabby Millet sang soulful songs on her guitar, as chickens and horses did their best to accompany her in the distance. Visitors could purchase from the farm stand, cut their own flowers, take a yoga class, or see the farm grounds on a guided tour leading to the beehives, while surrounded by fields of organic flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Established under the non-profit The Hansen Foundation, Enlightened Farm collaborates with Enlightened Solutions Treatment program as well as Serenity Houses sober living program. The organic farm is committed to both the health of the soil and people, “especially those marginalized from society due to addiction, trauma, or mental health. [They] work to nourish people through horticulture and equine programs.” (From the Hansen Foundation) Director of the Enlightened Farm, Briana Bee, said the farm offers people in their programs a “safe and empowered environment to heal in a space with others who are committed to long-term recovery. They are surrounded by nature, tapping into something larger than themselves.”
The horticultural program offers regenerative agriculture, job training, and horticulture therapy. Participants learn the value of growing a plant from seed, nourishing it, and watching it grow. Lessons from the time and devotion it takes to nurture the farm are applied to life skills needed for recovery and healing. On the farm, an atmosphere of support and compassion surrounds the community.
You can find the farm’s fresh, organic produce at farmers markets in our Shore Local area such as C.R.O.P.S. Markets both in Atlantic City and Pleasantville. You can also contact Enlightened Farm to purchase produce directly. Currently the farm is growing sunflowers, zinnias, cucumbers, zucchini, hot peppers, butternut squash, kale, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, swiss chard, and herbs. Another delicious way to enjoy their produce is by visiting Enlightened Cafe in Ventnor where you can try the avocado toast, coconut green curry tofu and quinoa, or Vietnamese ahi tuna and soba, as well as other dishes that contain farm fresh ingredients. You can eat your way to a good cause since all profits from the Enlightened Cafe go towards funding substance abuse treatment for those who cannot afford it.
Brianna Bee notes that the rate of relapse has increased due to the pressures of COVID-19, and the farm has responded by implementing the Farm Co-op Program where participants can work on the farm to earn credit towards their rent in sober living. The Hansen Foundation has recently announced the Enlightened Farm “Solid Roots Employment Program” designed for individuals to “develop a sense of security and belonging while maintaining stable employment and practicing healthy life skills, so that they can be rooted and ready for the next chapter of their lives.” Those in the program will gain skills in organic gardening, composting, and beekeeping, while learning about communication, responsibility, healthy relationship-building, and leadership,
If you missed the latest event, you have lots of opportunities to catch up. Enlightened Farm has a busy schedule lined up for the fall, including a Community Volunteer Day on September 12, and the much anticipated Fall Fest on October 10 and 11. Of course, the farm always appreciates volunteers that donate their time, energy, and support to the farm. For more information on events and contributions, or to learn more about the programs Enlightened Farm offers, visit: hansenfoundationnj.org/enlightenedfarm, check out their Facebook and Instagram pages, or call (609) 204-3379.
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
