Gould Farm. A Model of Compassionate and Holistic Healing. From the archives.

This is a republishing of an archived episode with Lisanne and Jane of Gould Farm.<br /><br />"<i>Gould</i> <i>Farm is a unique and pioneering refuge for people with mental disorders…a place where respect and relationship, work and friends, are central to the healing process. We need many more such places in the world.”</i> — Dr. Oliver Sacks<br /><br />Founded in 1913, Gould Farm is the first residential community in the nation dedicated to helping adults with mental health challenges move toward recovery, health, and greater independence through community living, meaningful work, and clinical support. Within this safe, family-like community made up of guests, staff, families and volunteers, all members are accepted, respected and celebrated as individuals.<br /><br />"We work with adults who are living with mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar and schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. Gould Farm provides a safe environment in which everyone feels accepted and trusted while also being held to high expectations as a productive, working member of the community. Guests are empowered to share their many talents with the community and are also given the opportunity to learn and practice new skills in a supported environment.Guests work with the clinical team to optimize their medications, build compensatory strategies to manage the symptoms of their illness, and create resiliency in work and social contexts. Through a stepped progression, symptoms improve, real-life skills are learned, and a sense of worth and hope is recovered that allows the individual to build the strength and confidence to move towards greater independence and recovery."<br /><br />Gould Farm offers a continuum of services including supported transition out of residential treatment and an extended community in both the Berkshires and the Boston area. <br /><br /><b>Lisanne Finston, Executive Director</b><br /><br />Lisanne came to Gould Farm after 20 years serving as Executive Director of an innovative anti-hunger organizati