About Benevolence Farm
Where is Benevolence Farm located?
Benevolence Farm is located on 13 acres in Alamance County, North Carolina. The property includes a three-bedroom brick home and seven tiny homes currently under construction.
How does Benevolence Farm support a safe and healthy community environment?
Safety, accountability, and community wellbeing are central to our program. Residents participate in individualized wellness support, structured programming, and ongoing peer guidance designed to help them successfully transition back into community life.
Our staff and board have spent years researching and implementing best practices for supporting women and gender expansive people returning from incarceration, with a strong focus on creating a respectful, structured, and supportive environment for residents and neighbors alike.
How is Benevolence Farm funded?
Benevolence Farm is supported through a combination of individual donations, small family foundations, fundraising events, faith-based organizations, grants, and revenue generated through our social enterprise. Our board and staff continue to develop long-term funding strategies to sustain and grow the program for years to come.
How can the community support Benevolence Farm?
There are many ways to get involved with Benevolence Farm. Community members can volunteer their time, share professional skills, donate financially, purchase products from our social enterprise, or help raise awareness about the challenges formerly incarcerated women and gender expansive people face during reentry.
About Our Reentry Housing & Employment Program
Do residents need farming experience to apply to Benevolence Farm?
Not at all! The farm enterprise is designed to help residents explore a variety of career paths and practical life skills through hands-on experience. Residents learn about teamwork, small business operations, financial management, marketing, maintaining a work schedule, community engagement, and more. While these skills can support many different future goals and careers, farming can provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with a criminal record.
Who is eligible for the program?
We serve women and gender expansive individuals returning from incarceration. Applicants of all conviction histories and lengths of incarceration are considered for the program.
Can children live at Benevolence Farm?
No, unfortunately children of residents cannot live on the Farm. That being said, we work with residents and their families to support positive family connections and personal reunification goals whenever possible.
Does Benevolence Farm accept applications from incarcerated people outside of North Carolina?
We are unable to accept applicants currently incarcerated in state prisons or jails outside of North Carolina. However, we may be able to support individuals returning home to North Carolina from federal prison.
How soon after release can someone apply to Benevolence Farm?
Our program is designed to support individuals during the early stages of reentry, ideally within the first three months following release from incarceration.
Is Benevolence Farm a recovery or rehabilitation program?
No. Benevolence Farm is a reentry program and not a licensed recovery, rehabilitation, or clinical treatment facility. We are not able to provide direct mental health, medical, or substance use treatment services. Individuals needing detox, rehabilitation, or structured clinical care may be referred to appropriate providers before entering our program.
What is expected of residents at Benevolence Farm?
Residents are expected to fully participate in program activities and contribute approximately 24 hours of work each week through our farm enterprise. Depending on the season, this may include gardening, harvesting, or creating body care products and candles infused with herbs and flowers.
We also ask all residents to contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment that welcomes people of all backgrounds and identities (including people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and women of all other backgrounds).
Can someone apply on behalf of a potential resident?
We understand that it can be difficult to access an application while incarcerated. Applications may be completed by the applicant themselves, a case manager, or a family member on their behalf. However, it is important that the applicant is actively driving the process.
Because our program is voluntary and resident-driven, we look for individuals who are personally engaged and interested in participating. Applications submitted without the applicant’s knowledge or involvement may not be considered.
How long does the application process take?
Once an application is submitted, it is logged into our system for review. When an applicant is within approximately 90 days of release, staff will schedule a phone interview with the applicant and/or their case manager. Following the interview, applicants will receive notification regarding acceptance status by mail and through their case manager.
We recommend submitting applications at least six months prior to release whenever possible.
What happens to residents who are waitlisted or not accepted?
If someone is waitlisted or not accepted into the program, we encourage them to remain in contact with our team. Staff may be able to provide referrals, resources, or other reentry support options as they become available.
What if a resident chooses to leave Benevolence Farm early?
Participation in the program is voluntary. If a resident decides to leave before completing their goals, staff will work with them to support a safe transition and help identify appropriate next steps, whether that means independent living or another program better suited to their needs.
How long do residents typically stay at Benevolence Farm?
Residents may stay at Benevolence Farm for up to 24 months, although the last six months are meant for individuals who need more time due to factors outside of their control, such as recovery from an unexpected medical event. Each resident works toward individualized goals and case plans, so length of stay varies depending on personal needs and progress.
What happens after residents leave Benevolence Farm?
Residents who complete the program move forward with increased life skills, work experience, savings, and community support to help them live independently and successfully.
During their time at Benevolence Farm, staff work to help residents build support systems and identify employment and housing opportunities in the communities where they plan to live after the program.
About Our Social Enterprise
Is in-person shopping available at the farm?
While we do not currently operate a full-time public storefront, visitors are welcome to shop during scheduled Wednesday farm tours from March through November. Private shopping appointments may also be available on Wednesday and Friday afternoons based on staff availability.
Our farm-to-body care and fragrance products can be found at the following locations:
- Weaver Street Market – All Locations (Body Care only)
- Saxapahaw General Store
- The Retreat at Brightleaf
- Fillaree
- Simply Massage & Wellness of Burlington
- Spa Retreat Cary
- North Carolina Botanical Garden
- Scott & Nancy’s
- Beloved Haven / Grace Market
- Present Purpose Co
- The Montreat Store
- Grit & Grace
Is local pickup available for online orders?
Yes. When placing your order, simply select the pickup option and email enterprise@benevolencefarm.org to coordinate a pickup time on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM.
About Donating
How do I update my payment details for recurring donations?
Here is a link to a guide on how to update your payment information. If you’re looking to change the donation amount and/or frequency, or stop your recurring donation, please follow these steps.
Still need help? Send us an email at hello@benevolencefarm.org and we can jump on a call to walk you through it.
