Arriving at Gould Farm after a destabilizing psychotic episode, Rob lacked self-agency and purpose. But the Farm’s loving atmosphere and therapeutic work program instilled a work ethic and the belief that he could contribute. Today, after his transition through the Fellside program, he works as a peer specialist at the Boston Resource Center. He hasn't had a psychotic episode in seven years. After years of being consumed by his suffering, he says it is a profound joy to have something to give.

Lisanne Finston, executive director of Gould Farm, and Eoin Galavan, clinical director of Kyrie Farm, talking next to a pile of split logs near the woodshed. John Mckeon and I had the pleasure of visiting Gould Farm in June this year. We participated in the work programs, shared meals with guests, toured the houses, explored the amazing woodland, and spent hours chatting with guests and staff. All of this was part of our journey towards opening Kyrie Farm, a therapeutic farm in Kildare,...

I was a guest from April 2006-November 2007. Being a guest altered the course of my life and steered my path towards getting my GED...