In 2005, the day after Christmas, Cindy and John Duncan suffered an unimaginable loss when their 15-year-old daughter, Cassie, committed su***de. From that day on, they committed themselves to bring light to the darkness of mental illness so that no one else would have to go through what they, and most importantly, their daughter did. In 2011, they started a Rainbow Run at their farm, in memory of
their daughter, and have continued the growing tradition every year since. Now, the Duncan’s have an opportunity to expand their efforts to removing the dark cloud of stigma surrounding mental illness and replacing it with a rainbow of HOPE. They, together with the Occupational Therapy department at New England Institute of Technology, are combining vocational activities with occupational therapy models to provide a caring and healing environment that promotes health and wellness for those who suffer from mental illness. Harvest Acre Farm has a goal of supporting the development of a new farm project that will be a place for individuals living with mental illness. Providing productive activities, practical sills and a holistic setting for individuals living with mental illness, it is a goal to be able to help these individuals achieve their full potential in many different aspects. Schedule:
9:00-9:30 am - Check In
9:30-10:30 am - Recovery Planning
10:30-11:45am - Vocational Exploration I *
11:45-12:30pm - Lunch
12:30-1:15pm - Vocational Exploration II *
1:15-1:30pm - Break
1:30-2:30pm - Personal Care **
2:30-3:00pm - Wrap Up
* Vocational Exploration
Baking/Cooking
Retail
Planting, Harvesting
Creative Plant Design
** Personal Care
Stress Management
Health Lifestyle
Criteria:
Must be 18 or older
Currently involved in a clubhouse, day program, or other mental health treatment setting. Interested in developing life skills. If taking medication, you must be able to self-administer. Have transportation to and from program.
* This is only a 10 week program *
