THREE WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR WORK
By making a donation to Gould Farm, you are helping to sustain our successful therapeutic programs for adults facing mental health and related challenges. As a private, non-profit residential treatment center, your contribution is crucial in maintaining our clinical program, along with the 750 acres of property that encompass our homes, working farm, garden, and sustainably managed forest. Your support is invaluable in helping us continue to provide the care and resources that our guests need to move towards recovery.
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The Community Fund
The community fund is our main funding source for so many aspects of Gould Farm’s annual operations. There are work program improvements, facilities upgrades, the clinical staff’s professional development, and the ever increasing demand for financial assistance. Please support the Community Fund if you want your gift to directly benefit our guests’ daily experiences.
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The Buildings Fund
Interested in making a long lasting and visible impact? Gould Farm is in the planning stages for building a long overdue new Roadside Café and the McKee guest residence. New housing for senior guests and staff is in the pipeline too. These projects follow construction of the philanthropically-funded $2.7 million community center. Like the new community center, the Farm must rely on philanthropic funding from its families and friends to get these projects underway.
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For gifts of $25,000 or more Gould Farm offers gift naming opportunities in the new community center or many other locales on campus.
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The First Endowment Fund
Now into its second century, it is time Gould Farm creates its first endowment fund. The Farm’s leaders predict a $20 million endowment secured over the next five years will provide reliable income which can offset uncertainties in operating revenue; allow for expanding current programs based on Gould Farm’s foundational principles and; provide seed funding for innovative new approaches.
Do you care about Gould Farm’s long term future role in helping people recover and heal from severe mental illness? If so, Gould Farm encourages anyone interested in endowment to make outright contributions or commitments from one’s estate upon their passing. Gifts of $50,000 or more are entitled to naming funds in honor of a loved one or in the donor’s name.
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What do guests usually do when they leave?Guests either transition within our continuum of services or return to their community of origin, securing employment, advancing their education, and building new social relationships.
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Who decides when you’re ready to leave?We work with guests from the time they arrive to the time they transition in support of their goals. Readiness for next steps is determined in coordination with the guest, the treatment team, and family partners.
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How do you assist in next steps?Guests work with the Transition Counselor, their clinician, and work team leaders to set goals, monitor progress, and take steps forward towards greater independence.
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What are the accommodations?There are three guest residences at the Farm. Each guest has a private room. Guests share bathrooms, a common living room, kitchenette, and laundry in each residence. We can accommodate up to 38 guests at the Farm.
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Do you accommodate special diets or food allergies?We strive to provide nutritious meals. We serve vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options at each meal. We do not offer specialized individual meal plans. We cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination in our foods.
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Can I bring my computer and/or mobile device?Yes. And there are computers on site and wifi connection available for use. We have guidelines for using mobile devices within the structure of the program. In the first two weeks of orientation we hold all personal devices.
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Where do guests come from and what is the average age?Guests come from all over the United States and occasionally from abroad. Many guests come from the East Coast and New England area. Most guests are in their 20s and 30s. The minimum age is 18 and there are guests in their later years as well.
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How long do people stay?The average stay at Gould Farm is nine to twelve months. All guests are unique and their treatment is tailored to enable them to take the next step. Some guests remain longer or participate in our transition programs. Those who continue in non-residential services in the Berkshires or Boston may do so indefinitely.
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Does the treatment team work with family?Families are partners in treatment. As such, the guest and family partner agree to open communication with Gould Farm staff and each other regarding treatment, transition, discharge planning, and financial matters.
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What if you don’t want to work?Our therapeutic program is organized around a meaningful work program and building interpersonal relationships. All guests are expected to participate up to 26 hours each week on one or more of the work teams.
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What are the costs?Gould Farm is a nonprofit, private pay facility. The daily fee is $400. Thanks to the support of generous donors, Gould Farm is able to provide some financial assistance to qualifying families.
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Do you accept insurance?Our standard program fee is seldom covered by medical insurance. We are unable to directly bill your insurance company.
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What happens during the two week orientation/evaluation?The first two weeks are a time for a new guest to feel what it is like to live at the Farm. They participate in the work program, meet with their social worker and the psychiatrist, and get to know the other members of the community. It is a time to determine if the program is a good fit.
Contact Melanie Brandston, Director of Philanthropy at 413-528-1804, ext. 27 or email mbrandston@gouldfarm.org for more information on ways to give using assets, your IRA Fund, or in your will as a legacy gift.
William J. Gould Associates, Inc. (dba Gould Farm) is a non-profit 501c(3) organization.
Tax ID # 04-2134819.
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