SonShine Folk School Farm
A non-profit ministry growing young people through agriculture.
2022 Accomplishments
We
had more students this year than ever (14!) but were able to make payroll every two weeks throughout the busy summer season
hired a farm manager, April Miller, who has worked for us for three years, giving us more flexibility with our schedule
partnered with two non-profit organizations, The Fix and The Mother’s Heart, for vegetable distribution, and also provided excess summer production to the Seventh Day Adventist food distribution in Tappahannock
received a USDA grant for a second high tunnel greenhouse, which we completed and passed inspection in early December
held our 5th annual Sweet Potato Festival with the largest attendance ever. We served over 100 sweet potatoes and 200 hot dogs and sold about 2 tons of sweet potatoes!
and on a personal note, moved to the farm in June and started building our house. Being on the farm 24/7 has saved time and energy not having to commute from Mechanicsville every day!
As we anticipate where God will lead in this new year, we want to share our 2023 and 10-year goals:
In 2023
1. Begin weekly, structured Bible study with our student workers.
2. Develop a library of safety videos for our students and others who will use our facilities.
3. Complete our home, where we will use the basement as a classroom for our student workers and to be available to homeschool and community groups for agriculture and workshop learning.
4. Work toward self-sufficient operations through vegetable sales through restaurants and farmers markets.
5. Begin production of small wood working projects to sell.
10 Years!
1. Double vegetable production
2. Become involved with Sleep In Heavenly Peace (www.shpbeds.org)
3. Plant an orchard and vineyard
4. Build indoor pool and gym
L-R: Tashawn, Makhi, Ray, Nathan, April. Kneeling: Keon
Farm Manager April Miller
The SonShine Folk School Farm is a Christian agricultural ministry with a two-fold purpose of work training for youth and provision of produce to the hungry.
We seek to show people
of all ages the saving grace of Jesus Christ by demonstrating the Christian lifestyle through personal interaction and providing an environment where all can discover their worth as a child of God while learning work and social life skills.
Our prayer is that our LORD God Creator will make this place a resource, refuge and sanctuary for salvation, education, inspiration, restoration, and enjoyment of His creation.
It wouldn’t be possible without you.
The work at the SonShine Folk School Farm would not be possible without the support of the many who have donated so much time, service, and financial support.
