HARVESTING HOPE

“Farming is one of the oldest forms of sustenance, and it still has a lot to offer.”
— Shawanna Vaughn

OBJECTIVES

  • More than 23,000 children age out of the foster care system each year. At age 18, 20% of them instantly become homeless. This results in a plethora of unfavorable results, including high rates of teen pregnancy and low rates of a college education. In addition, these youth are more susceptible to conditions that lead to crime.

  • Silent Cry has designed an agricultural model for justice-involved adults and youth. Our programs will use farming as a way to educate and transform young minds into a new, fresh environment – providing an opportunity for them to grow into maturity while being diverted from a system of incarceration.

  • This program helps participants to become self-sufficient and determined while reacclimatizing themselves with society. It also builds skills that reduce the chances of recidivism, making this an excellent way for formerly incarcerated adults to turn their lives around!

In 2022, Silent Cry, Inc acquired a parcel of farmland in the state of Michigan through the Flourishing Fund Grant. This land will be used to provide facilities for two key programs.

  • Formerly incarcerated men and women can grow their own food and sell what they produce. The program provides education on agriculture, finance, mentorship, as well as counseling to assist them to reintegrate into society.

  • Silent Cry will create a 36-month program for at-risk youth aging out of the foster care system. Participants will receive education, mentoring, counseling, and all support services needed to make the transition out of the foster- care system smooth. While on the farm, they will learn about agriculture and have an opportunity to earn wages through farming.

Make a One Time or Recurring Donation

We cannot do it without you!

Each year, we seek contributions from individuals, corporate sponsorships, and foundational grants in order to meet our fiscal needs. Our ability to provide services to the people and communities we serve depends entirely on our ability to raise funds through these channels.

Goals & Funding Needs

  • Total : $402,000

  • Proposed Budget;

    Renovations to {Farm 1} - $40,000.

    Materials and Equipment - $50,000.

  • Proposed Budget;

    Renovations to property on {Farm} - $72,000.

  • Proposed Budget;

    Purchase price {Farm 2} - $120,000.

    Legal Fees & Closing Costs - $20,000.

  • Proposed Budget;

    Renovation and building on {Farm 2} - $100,000.

REQUEST SPONSORSHIP FORM

For more information and further discussion, please contact Shawanna Vaughn at 718-200-2720 or shawanna@silentcryinc.org