May 2026 - Hopewell Therapeutic Farm

The Healing Power of Nature and Ecotherapy

Posted on May 27, 2026May 28, 2026 by Ann Thompson

When you imagine a perfect, warm, peaceful summer day, what comes to mind?

Perhaps it’s the feel of the sun on your skin, the smell of freshly cut grass, the call of a mourning dove or red-winged blackbird, the gentle sound of a babbling creek, a soft breeze, or even the laughter of loved ones nearby.

Notice how these quintessential elements of summer are rooted in nature’s sounds, scents, and sensations. Spending time in nature and appreciating its simple pleasures is not only restorative—it is profoundly healing and regulating for the human nervous system.

Ecotherapy is a practice grounded in the belief that intentional time in nature, paired with mindful awareness, supports emotional regulation and promotes overall well-being.

It has been shown to support both mental and physical health, promote social connection, and reduce stress. Rather than focusing solely on problems or symptoms, ecotherapy emphasizes the relationship people have with the natural world, fostering feelings of safety, security, and mindful awareness.

At Hopewell, an intentional lifestyle that encourages connection to nature is woven into our daily routine. Residents are encouraged to set aside screens and cell phones during program hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) and engage in a variety of offerings. These include farm chores, gardening, daily nature hikes, equine‑assisted learning, birdwatching, art therapy, music therapy, as well as more traditional therapeutic approaches.

Some residents find the face-to-face setting in an office to be a barrier to participating in therapy. Clinicians have found that a walk in nature can help even the most reticent resident open up.

Staff, residents, families, and visitors often share that time spent on the farm brings a renewed appreciation for a slower pace of life, one rooted in being outdoors and taking in the beauty of the Hopewell landscape.

I invite you, the reader, to set aside some time this week to prioritize a mindful connection with nature. This might look like taking a walk outdoors without the company of your phone or sitting outside while enjoying your morning cup of coffee and listening to the birds—maybe even trying to identify which ones you hear. Your senses will come alive as you slow down for a few minutes and add a new dimension to your day. Try it. Ecotherapy can be as simple as that.

Residential Treatment vs Partial Hospitalization Programs: Which is Better for you?

Posted on May 15, 2026May 28, 2026 by Ann Thompson

By Nicole Holmes, LISW-S, Assistant Clinical Director, Clinician ––

When symptoms of a mental illness start to interfere with daily life, figuring out what level of care is needed can be challenging. Two common options for treatment include residential treatment and partial hospitalization programs (PHP). Both offer meaningful support, but they serve different purposes and knowing what is right can be confusing. For many individuals, especially those experiencing more complex or persistent symptoms, residential treatment can provide a stronger foundation for recovery. Understanding the difference between the two is the first step in being able to make an informed decision about what is right for you or your loved one.

What is Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment involves living full-time in a therapeutic setting with 24/7 support amongst others experiencing similar issues. This level of care is designed to provide structure, consistency, continual clinical oversight, and peer support. When someone is experiencing the symptoms of a major mental illness like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, all aspects of life can feel overwhelming and emotionally draining. Residential care offers a safe and accepting environment where routines can be established and therapeutic interventions can be delivered consistently throughout the day. This immersive setting reduces external stressors and allows individuals to fully focus on their recovery without the noise of outside life filtering in. Rather than trying to manage symptoms while navigating daily demands, clients can step into a space where healing is the primary focus.

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Partial hospitalization programs provide structured, intensive treatment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evenings. A PHP will often run for the majority of the day engaging individuals in group and individual therapy and can be a helpful option for those who are stable enough to function at home but still need significant support. A PHP offers the advantage of practicing skills in real-world environments. However, it also relies heavily on the individual to have insight into the need for treatment and to be able to maintain stability in their home life.

Why Residential Treatment Can Provide a Stronger Starting Point

While both levels of care are important, residential treatment is often the more appropriate starting place when symptoms significantly impact functioning, insight is limited, or daily routines have broken down. Healing from serious mental health conditions often requires feeling support while engaging in daily activities in a structured manner over a long period of time. In a residential setting like Hopewell, therapeutic support is not limited to a few hours a day – it is woven into many aspects of daily living. Meals, activities, relationships, and routines all become part of the therapeutic community treatment process.

At Hopewell Therapeutic Community, we believe that healing happens through connection and meaningful work. Individuals are not isolated in their experience – they live alongside others who are also working toward recovery. Residential treatment, when done within a therapeutic community-based model, offers more than just stabilization. It provides opportunities to engage in purposeful activities, build relationships, create personal connections, and develop a sense of belonging within a supportive environment. This approach can be especially impactful for those struggling with how to cope with their mental illness, helping them rebuild confidence and a sense of identity beyond their diagnosis.

Both residential treatment and partial hospitalization play important roles in the continuum of care. But for many individuals, particularly those navigating complex conditions, residential treatment offers the depth, structure, and community needed to create meaningful and lasting change.

Founder’s Day, May 13, 2026

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Ann Thompson

On May 13, 2026, we celebrate and honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of our founder, Clara T. Rankin, on her birthday. A native Clevelander, Clara was known for her leadership roles and lifelong philanthropic support of many organizations in Northeast Ohio. In her seventies, she saw the need for a therapeutic farm for adults with mental illness near Cleveland, and this became her passion.

For Clara, Hopewell was truly a labor of love. In 1993 she assembled a Board of Directors, secured initial funding, found a 325-acre working farm, hired an executive director, and together they went to work developing clinical programs and hiring staff. Under Clara’s dedicated leadership, her vision became reality.

Clara’s clear mission was to provide an opportunity for adults with serious mental illness to experience a self-reliant and satisfying life through participation in a vibrant residential therapeutic community. Her unwavering belief in the role that nature and meaningful work play in mental health recovery and her tireless efforts shaped this organization into what it is today.

Hopewell opened its doors to the first resident in 1996. Since then, we have welcomed adults with mental illness from across the United States and abroad. Clara remained actively engaged in fundraising, making connections, and spreading the word about Hopewell until age 107, her spirit of advocacy never waning.

On Founder’s Day, we remember Clara Rankin for her sharp mind, prodigious memory, profound empathy, her generosity, and leadership. She inspired so many to care about people suffering with mental illness, who are often stigmatized or invisible. She left a legacy that inspires our commitment to mental health recovery every single day.

In her legacy, on Founder’s Day, we will award an employee who exemplifies the characteristics that made Clara such an inspirational – and aspirational – role model with the Clara T. Rankin Award. The first winner of the Clara T. Rankin Award is Anne Skowronski. Ann has worked at Hopewell for almost 30 years and embodies the core values of our therapeutic farm and Clara’s spirit through her passionate commitment to our residents and our program.

Thank you, Anne, for your service to Hopewell. We are better because of you.

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