Photo: Healing Prairie Farm
(Johnson County, IA) -- A farm designed to serve youth in crisis has opened in Johnson County. The Healing Prairie Farm is a youth shelter which allows young people to access counseling and work with animals and perform therapeutic farm duties.
The project is supported by Iowa City-based CommUnity and United Action for Youth non profit organizations.
“I think the farm is a very, very unique model,” says Drew Martel LISW, CommUnity’s Chief Clinical Officer. “It’s a very special model - human services providing compassionate care in a unique setting to youth who come from a variety of backgrounds with unique needs. We're so fortunate to have it here in Johnson County. I would encourage anyone not familiar with it to learn a little bit about it.”
Healing Prairie Farm houses two programs designed to de-escalate and support youth in crisis. The Youth Shelter provides care for up to 21 days for youth who are unhoused, have run away from home, were kicked out of the home, or are couch surfing. Youth Crisis Stabilization, however, provides a shorter 3-10 day stay for youth experiencing a mental health crisis who are in need of immediate intervention.
While staying at Healing Prairie Farm, youth can participate in individual and family counseling, peer support groups, therapeutic art and music recreation, care for farm animals, and more. It is not a lockdown facility, and youth are welcome to participate in recreational activities.
Organizers say the care farm model allows youth to process emotions while working with farm animals in a homelike setting. Projects following this model elsewhere have led to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and decreased rates of recidivism. Leadership at the farm in Johnson County expects no less from Healing Prairie Farm.
“It fills a significant gap for our youth where previously hospitalization or traditional shelter care was the only option for services,” says Heather Bopp, Healing Prairie Farm Program Manager. “By offering a therapeutic and supportive environment, Healing Prairie Farm not only addresses immediate needs but also helps build resilience and long-term connections for the young people we serve.”
This project has funding support from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, Mental Health/Disability Services of the East Central Region, grants, and individual contributions.