The Maui Farm Helps Create Healthy Futures for Families
Women and children in crisis live at the farm and learn skills that help lead to sustainable, independent lives.
The Maui Farm is a nonprofit that provides a safe place to live for women and children who have experienced traumatic, violent relationships or homelessness. They are nurtured there and learn essential skills for self-sufficient living.
“Families can rest and reside as they navigate this transitional time and space in their lives,” says Executive Director Gabrielle Schuerger. “The campus includes a small farm in which the program participants help to care for the animals and propagate food for the families. It is a beautiful space where hearts and lives are transformed.”
Photo: courtesy of The Maui Farm
Last year’s wildfires left the farm structurally undamaged but financially stressed. Schuerger says government funding has slowed just when the farm’s programs are needed most.
“We have seen a significant increase in requests for our services, even as funding is decreasing as a result of shifts in countywide service priorities,” she says.
On top of that, people who want to leave the farm face much higher rents on Maui and fewer housing options than before the fires. They are often unable to find a new home.
“Many of the local families we serve are having to move off-island. It’s an extremely difficult situation,” Schuerger says.
Three Decades of Service
Photo: courtesy of The Maui Farm
The farm was founded in 1993 and initially provided long-term care for youths from troubled families. Today, the farm’s main residential programs empower families to become educated, self-sustaining members of the community. They learn skills to help them as parents and as heads of their households, and receive guidance on possible jobs and careers. Children receive a farm-based education through lessons and hands-on experience, and get to socialize with other youths.
The Family Strengthening Program’s transition plans help guide participants through the process toward independent living.
Natalia Barboza was once a resident at The Maui Farm. “One-on-one meetings with staff allowed my family to identify needs, create a plan and focus on the necessary steps to become financially and emotionally stable,” says Barboza, who is now a case manager at the farm. “I was able to further my education, raise my income, attain child care and transportation, secure housing and strengthen my family.”
Schuerger says such personalized plans help families “navigate from crisis to stability to self-sustainability. The Maui Farm staff then meets with each family weekly to map out action steps and provide support for implementing their transition plan, until the family is ready to exit the program and live a healthy, stable and self-sustaining life.”
The farm’s Stipend Program provides practical job training and skills such as project management, agronomic practices, effective communication and self-accountability.
The Maui Farm also hosts community programs such as farm tours and encourages others to get involved. For instance, volunteers can help with garden upkeep and service projects. To sign up for community programs or to volunteer, visit themauifarm.org.
Photo: courtesy of The Maui Farm
Donations are welcome at the same website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text BEGIN to 88788.
Hawai‘i’s Department of Human Services operates a domestic violence hotline at 808-531-3771.
