August 2018 - Hopewell Therapeutic Farm

8th Annual Exploring Mental Health Event October 10, 2018

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Ann Thompson

Hopewell presents the 8th Annual David Cutler Conservatory Exploring Mental Health lecture, “Public Perceptions of Mental Illness and Violence,” with Phillip J. Resnick, MD. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 10, at the Cleveland Racquet Club (29825 Chagrin Blvd. in Pepper Pike). A reception with hors d’oeuvres and wine begins at 5:30 pm and the program will begin promptly at 6:15 pm. The public is welcome to attend in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance.

Dr. Phillip Resnick, is a professor of psychiatry and Director, Division of Forensic Psychiatry at Case School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Resnick served as a consultant on many high profile cases, including those of Jeffrey Dahmer, Susan Smith, Timothy McVeigh and Andrea Yates. He is a past president of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and has published over 200 articles and book chapters. Internationally recognized, Dr. Resnick has lectured in 49 states and 24 countries.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Hopewell Development Office at 440-247-0912. Kindly RSVP by Monday, October 1.

Meet the Crews of Our Work-Based Therapy Program

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Ann Thompson

As a therapeutic farm community, Hopewell is a working farm complete with livestock, gardens, sugaring and more. Our work crews help residents discover their strengths, experience new roles, learn new skills, gain job readiness and build self-esteem. The crews meet five mornings a week, and in July, I ventured out to Mesopotamia to take a closer look.

My first stop was the barns to observe the Farm Crew, led by Bruce McAllester. A few residents were cleaning the horse stalls, which is Mike’s favorite job. He introduced me to Brandie, the miniature pony, and mentioned that she does tricks. JC, a horse trainer before coming to Hopewell, taught Brandie how to curtsy. The crew also feeds and cares for chickens, sheep and cows. Upon leaving, I was drawn to piglet noises in another barn and was met by four sweet noses and muddy feet. What a perfect day so far.

The Gardening Crew spends the morning outside watering, tending the large vegetable garden and weeding the smaller flower beds. Brandon loves gardening, not for the physical work but for the satisfaction of accomplishment. Cindy Wagner said the best growers this summer are yellow squash and cucumbers. Vegetables are used in the Hopewell meals and sold at the Farm & Craft Market, along with dried herbs.

Inside the cottages, the Housekeeping Crew was busy cleaning floors and bathrooms, organizing clean linens, and stocking supplies. Celeste Hein has three dedicated residents who find this work grounding and the routine adds structure to their day.

Rounding off my morning was lunch and observing the Kitchen Crew. Leader Jennifer Miller supervises residents who prepare the salad bar, bake muffins and wash dishes. Ben, the chief dish washer, works until everything is clean and put away. Depending on skill level, some residents follow recipes and prepare meals while others set up the dining hall.

After a delicious meal of chicken salad pita and yellow squash soup, I returned back to the Development Office in Chagrin Falls, grateful for being a part of the Hopewell community. If you would like to tour the farm, please contact athompson@hopewell.cc or call 440.247.0912.

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