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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cWe will take care of your every need free of charge if you\u2019ll just come and do the very hard work of healing,\u201d Smith said. \u201cOne of the hardest things they\u2019ll ever do is to heal and then be reintegrated … successfully back into a society as a whole different person living a whole different life in a whole new way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primary goal of the first pillar is improving mental health outcomes, and Smith said the nonprofit is proud of its success there. Everyone who comes to Good Hope Farms takes a mental health assessment. Most women are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, loneliness, and post-traumatic stress disorder \u2014 but after just six months, their mental health outcomes begin to improve exponentially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pillar two helps residents develop the skills and obtain the documents they need to be successful. Staff assist them with whatever they need to progress, whether learning to read and write, learning to drive, or completing a name change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also undergo a 9-month job readiness and skills certification to improve economic stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhile they\u2019re in the long-term program doing their healing work, alongside that, they get to earn while they learn in our Hope Enterprise & WorkForce Empowerment,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many learning opportunities. Residents run Good Hope Farms\u2019 online store, offering products made by survivors worldwide. The nonprofit is getting ready to launch its own line of survivor-made goods in addition to selling honey harvested on the farm. A partnership with local small business Fried Green Tomatoes allows residents to earn money packing batter and sauce mixes. All of that gives them the skills and experience needed to excel once they leave the farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The third pillar of Rest Stop Ministries focuses on supporting alums. Transitioning can be difficult, but the nonprofit offers support for a full year after graduation as graduates find housing, jobs, and community. Smith said every milestone is celebrated throughout their whole journey, whether it\u2019s landing that first job, graduating college, or simply learning to cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTheir lives are enriched and impacted while they\u2019re here,\u201d Smith said. \u201cPeople all the time [ask], \u2018Well, what\u2019s your graduation success rate?\u2019 Well, that doesn\u2019t tell the story. What tells the story is all the milestones that they gain while they\u2019re in the program.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With its expertise in serving survivors, Rest Stop Ministries is a perfect resource for anyone looking to learn more about the crime of sexual exploitation. The nonprofit offers awareness and prevention training for anyone who wants it. \u201cWe\u2019re right here in your county if you\u2019re looking for people who understand this crime and how it happens and how it works,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWe just know that we need to continue to educate the public on what this really looks like, who these women are, and what beautiful souls they are.\u201d GN<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bees flit through bright flowers as women walk by, quietly contemplating the beauty around them. This beauty is reflected in their souls, shining brightly despite all they have been through. The peace and empowerment of Good Hope Farms uplift their future and change their lives, just as they have for dozens of other women before […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":22427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cover"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/lebanon\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2025\/01\/DSC01014-1024x683.png\")
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