Mesopotamia, OH, May 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today in America, tens of millions of people are living with conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. That's why in 2013 President Barack Obama designated May "National Mental Health Awareness Month." The goal was to openly discuss these issues and redouble our nation's efforts to address mental health problems.
To support this cause, Hopewell, a therapeutic farm for adults with mental illness, is encouraging people to visit their unique treatment facility nestled on 300 pastoral acres in the heart of Amish country. Hopewell's holistic farm community, located in Mesopotamia, OH, provides lasting results for the individuals it serves.
Hopewell's Executive Director Rick Karges, LISW-S, ACSW, notes, "People who visit Hopewell always are amazed by the beauty of our grounds and how healing occurs because of the therapeutic nature of a farm community."
At Hopewell, residents (clients) take on the major responsibilities of the farm's daily duties. From caring for livestock and gardening, to cooking and making maple syrup, residents learn new skills, gain job readiness and build self-esteem. Hopewell's campus is dotted with draft horses, grazing sheep, colorful poultry, reflective ponds and acres of mature forest.
Says Karges, "Residents experience decreased psychiatric symptoms, improved social skills and increased self-confidence. Our highly skilled clinical staff treats the whole person--mind, body and spirit. Healing happens when behavioral therapy and rehabilitation are offered with compassion in a peaceful, supportive environment such as our farm."
To learn more about Hopewell, visit www.hopewell.cc. To schedule a tour in May, please call 440.693.4074.Tours will be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, but reservations are required. Everyone who visits will receive a special gift as a memento of their visit to Ohio's only residential therapeutic farm community.
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