06/15/2026
Addiction Recovery Team Provides Outreach
to Gloucester Horse Farm
By Beverly Snowden
Gloucester, NC…Three clients representing “Loaves and Fishes of Beaufort,” a faith-based addiction recovery program serving Carteret County and beyond, recently stepped up to provide a community service, unlike any of their previous activities or outreach opportunities while participating in the six-month program.
The daily schedule for clients participating in the nonprofit program is typically filled with diverse, engaging activities such as counseling, Bible study on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, daily classes, church attendance on Sunday morning, gaining skills while working in one of the organization’s two Thrift Stores (located on Live Oak Street in Beaufort), and other enrichment opportunities designed to strengthen faith, sobriety, and personal well-being.
The three clients from Loaves and Fishes, including Will Bell, Todd Epperson, and Will Shaw, all possess experience in various forms of construction, and with those skills, once approved by their program director, they offered to support a need Down East in Gloucester (NC) at a horse farm named "Jair Meadows," owned by Crystal Wasley.
The name of Wasley's farm honors "Jair," the first horse Wasley adopted though the Foundation for Shackleford Horses. For clarity regarding the Shackleford Banks horses, Wasley shared that Jair had been removed from Shackelford Banks more than a decade ago with several other horses during one of the last roundups, when it was determined the island could not support the extensive population. "The island's current population of horses is much lower today," said Wasley.
"Horses are only removed today if, for example, a foal is found abandoned by its mother, or a very young horse is found to be injured but can be saved if cared for medically, thus making it necessary to be rescued," said Wasley.
The equine farm includes a mix of beautiful adopted or rescued horses, including additional survivors from Shackleford Banks, precious mini-horses and full-sized horses, a “carrot-driven” donkey, and smaller animals -- all among Wasley’s dream menagerie. They live comfortably under her watchful care. Wasley’s passion for animals is clearly evident with her daily devotion to their individual needs through every season of windy storms and sunny days.
With the current summer heat, Wasley desired to provide more shade and a sheltered area where the horses and donkey could move in and out of freely. Wasley has personally constructed many needs for her farm, but assistance with building another shed (or lean-to) would certainly be an answered prayer.
The three construction gurus, Bell, Epperson, and Shaw, were eager to assist Wasley. Keeping the Bible classes at the forefront of their outreach, the three men referenced a Biblical verse from their studies: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others,” Philippians 2:3-4.
Holding that scripture in their hearts and minds, the “threesome” arrived early in the morning at the Gloucester horse farm. Wasley already had supplies and tools ready for use. All three men quickly went to work and before the lunch hour, the frame was up and prepped for a metal roof and siding.
Taking a break from the heat, a cookout lunch provided by Crystal Wasley and Beverly Snowden, representing Loaves & Fishes (and owner of the farm’s donkey, Gracie), was enjoyed by the construction helpers, along with visiting guests from the Loaves and Fishes offices, Gabbie Forbes, chief operations officer, and Guy Murrell, director of ministries, counseling and programs.
According to Loaves and Fishes Executive Director, Pastor David Bruce, working on projects with the community helps to rebuild confidence for the clients and provides a healthy perspective. “While we can’t help with every community project, we are honored to provide support when possible. Our clients grow through outreach experiences as they strengthen their faith and develop awareness of the value of serving others. I am deeply appreciative to Ms. Crystal Wasley for developing a new relationship with Loaves and Fishes as she guided our clients during this work experience. Additionally, they enjoyed being outdoors and getting to meet her horses!” said Bruce.
With words of appreciation, Wasley stated, “I’m sincerely thankful to all three of these wonderful helpers from Loaves and Fishes. They were amazing and courteous. They were dedicated to completing the job with quality results, and they did so efficiently.
“I realize this was an unusual experience for them, but I sincerely appreciate their time and community outreach. I wish Will Bell, Todd Apperson, and Will Shaw the very best in successfully completing the recovery program and pursuing a healthy and happy future while keeping God at the Center of their journeys,” added Wasley.
**To learn more about the varied ministries of Loaves and Fishes of Beaufort, visit the website: loavesandfishesnc.org OR follow Loaves and Fishes of Beaufort on Facebook.
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