Category: Newsletter

This is a story about the natural power of animals to impact healing, and how a very special horse changed the life of a young woman in pain.

Adrienne came to Hopewell at age 19 with a diagnosis of depression. Her illness caused her to hear voices that told her she was worthless, that no one wanted her around them, and that it would be better if she would just die. Adrienne had been cutting her arms (superficially) for three years prior to coming to Hopewell.

My name is Joel Budzar. I was a resident at Hopewell for 10 months and it has been my honor to be a part of this year’s annual fund campaign.

I wanted to tell you a little bit about what the farm means to me and how Hopewell helps people recover from mental illness….

Local home to provide independent living
Hopewell recently purchased a home located on the Mesopotamia commons to use as supervised, independent living housing.

With this new transitional house, Hopewell will be able to offer residnts increased independence and vocational training. Residents will participate in Hopewell’s regular programming during the day and be involved in the broader community of Mesopotamia through work, volunteer porjects or continuing education.

Each year during Hopewell’s annual Summer Solstice benefit, generous
guests “raise their paddles” to help Hopewell further its mission of helping
people with serious illness find hope and healing.

This year’s funding is earmarked for much-needed farm improvements.

“I wouldn’t be as high-functioning today if I hadn’t gone to Hopewell,” says Sarah M., a former resident and the author of this year’s annual appeal.

In the fall of 2006, Sarah was a happy, artist-college student living in San Francisco, the city of her dreams. That is when she experienced the first episode of the disease that would eventually bring her to Hopewell.

A frequently asked question here at Hopewell is, “What is the average age of the people you serve?”

Currently, we have a number of residents who are young (in their 20s), smart and active. Many were in college when they first experienced problems.

At Hopewell, they are finding acceptance, community, meaningful work and the confidence that they can learn to include
their mental illness in a “normal” life.

Before coming to Hopewell I had been losing myself in a world of distractions. It was nearly impossible for me to pull myself out of that chaos. I tried a couple of years ago and I nearly lost my life. I was lucky to have so much love and support surrounding me. Now, I am very lucky to have Hopewell.

It was April of this year and Bill had just joined the Hopewell community for the second time. His participation (which is measured for every resident) in work crew, meals and meetings was an excellent 80%…

Each year during the Summer Solstice live auction, guests “raise the paddle” to help Hopewell further its mission. This year’s effort will help create a resident-run store located on our farm in Mesopotamia…