A Vision and Business Plan

For

The Model Farm

…Inspiring hope and wellness through

accessible counseling services and sustainable farming…

"The history of this place is all about keeping a community together through farming. When I think of the principles of creating a fruitful counseling relationship, I think of congruence, safe boundaries, structure, and a trust in the process itself. To have all of these principles present in the very structure of the property is already a kind of congruence, both with the history of the place and with the intention for what it will become. Safe boundaries can be physically sensed upon entering a property that is surrounded by enclosing walls of green. When our eyes rest on green places, when we see food growing around us, it has been shown that our sense of safety increases and we become markedly less stressed. Counseling is about helping a person to recognize and utilize their innate internal strengths, a lesson that is reinforced when we watch seeds come to fruition; but it is also about building networks of support, relationships that are perhaps easier to visualize when walking in a garden of interplanted legumes, fruits, and flowers. And simplest of all, counseling is about caring for others. How better to do this than to welcome visitors with a fresh cup of homegrown herbal tea? "

Lissa Carter, Expressive Arts Therapist

THE MODEL FARM: A VISION AND BUSINESS PLAN JUNE 2016 THE MODEL FARM 4332GRASSY MOSS DRIVE GREENSBORO, NC 27409 KENT BERRY, PRESIDENT 336.991.6620 KBerry@TheModelFarm.org www.TheModelFarm.org

Contents

THE VISION .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1 THE HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 CASE FOR SUPPORT..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

Saving the Farm – Helping the Person ................................................................................................................................................ 2 Goal One: Historic Preservation ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Goal Two: Community Education ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 Goal Three: Accessible Counseling .................................................................................................................................................... 5

FISICAL STABILITY ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6 A Phased Approach ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Restoration .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Accessible Counseling ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Farming Element ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Community Education ......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 150th Anniversary Capital Campaign ................................................................................................................................................... 9

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUND RAISING ........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Tax-Deductable Donation ................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Naming Opportunities ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP ................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Board of Directors ............................................................................................................................................................................. 11 Project Development Team .............................................................................................................................................................. 12

Attachment A: Gift Form ........................................................................................................................................................................... 13

P a g e | 1

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

Vision Statement “The Model Farm will itself be a model for other counseling centers in providing affordable counseling services uniquely linked to sustainable

farming and educational opportunities; giving clients and members of the community a path to hope and wellness.”

THE VISION I identify with Joseph, the dreamer, who frequently shared visions that puzzled others. For over 15 years, I have desired to provide Mental Health Services in a setting that is comfortable like one’s own home. The day I walked the grounds and learned about the history of The Model Farm, I sensed that my dream was going to become part of my future. And as I shared my vision of restoring the vacant farm house to be a Counseling Center and to once again turn the acreage into an active farm, puzzled looks appeared on my listeners’ faces. Fortunately, these listeners withstood the urge to throw me into a pit and kept listening. And as they listened they too began to dream of what the farm could be once again and how it could be a healing force in the Triad region. As you read this business plan, my hope is that you too will join this community of dreamers who desire to bring The Model Farm back into existence so that once again it will have a healing impact on our community. Kent Berry

THE HISTORY Following the Civil War, Quakers in sizable numbers left piedmont North Carolina for the Midwest. The route followed by many passed through Baltimore, MD, where a group of Friends organized in 1865 sponsored efforts to help their southern brethren be self-sustaining. The Baltimore Association sponsored schools (forty-four in North Carolina) and set up a demonstration farm near High Point. In 1867 the Baltimore Association purchased the former Nathan Hunt farm, paying $4,440, of which $700 was raised locally by members of the nearby Springfield Friends Meeting. On those 200 acres the Quakers constructed barns and other buildings and promoted the use of fertilizers, registered livestock, selected grasses and seed, and improved farming implements such as

P a g e | 2

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

mowing machines, hay rakes, grain drills, and seed hullers. They converted a gristmill into a bone mill, said to be the first in the South, to produce fertilizer from animal bones. In his annual reports, superintendent William Sampson, formerly of Maine, reflected upon the wide influence of the Model Farm. In 1871 he reported that “a large number of people from all parts of the State continued to visit the farm to see for themselves the new way.” The effect was to help stem the tide of westward migration and to stimulate agricultural production among Quakers and non-Quakers alike. Governor Jonathan Worth, a native of Randolph County, hailed the work at the Model Farm, aided their efforts to incorporate, and is said to have called the site “the only green spot” in the state. In 1891 the Baltimore Association was dissolved, the farm sold, and the proceeds used to aid Guilford College. A dairy operated at the site until the mid-1940s when the property was developed. A small museum at Springfield church preserves some of the farming implements.

CASE FOR SUPPORT One of North Carolina’s most interesting Civil War-era historic sites has been purchased to be restored and to provide accessible counseling services, community education, and sustainable organic gardening/farming in the context of a Quaker Farm property in the heart of the Piedmont Triad. It provides a comfortable setting conducive to healing mind, body, and spirit.

Saving the Farm – Helping the Person

This unique opportunity to accomplish historic preservation and personal counseling provides donors ways to make their contributions count. Community education about sustainable farming – whether in a window box outside a condominium or on acreage in the countryside -- combined with professional counseling services available to all in need, means that a gift to The Model Farm helps the earth and helps the individual. The Model Farm is located on Brentwood Street in High Point. The house was constructed around 1867 just after the Civil War by Quakers, and stands as an important site representing Quaker history.

P a g e | 3

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

The Model Farm was constructed and run by Quakers to alleviate poor conditions and teach local farmers, who were suffering from the devastation caused by the Civil War, the latest techniques for sustainable crop growth. It was important for providing new agricultural technology to farmers in the state during the 1870s and 1880s. The farm attracted a great deal of attention for its progressive and innovative agricultural practices. The two-acre tract of land contains the original 2,980 square foot farmhouse, with many historic details such as a wide front porch, a three-sided window bay, and arched windows in the walk-in

attic. Interior appointments reflect Quaker values of simplicity and include high-ceilings, plaster walls and ceilings, and running water. Such amenities were novel in the South in the years after the Civil War. Due to the site’s deep history and unusual features, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. The Model Farm project has the stated goals of Historic Preservation, Community Education and Accessible Counseling. Each can function independently of each other yet it is their relationship and location on a single property that is truly unique.

Goal One: Historic Preservation

The property was donated to the Preservation Greensboro Development Fund, Inc. (PGDF) by its former owners. The gift was made through a deed that incorporates preservation restrictions requiring a working dialog between future owners of the Model Farm and PGDF to ensure that the house and its charming details are refurbished and remain intact for future generations to enjoy. This is the first property in High Point to enjoy the protection of an easement through Preservation Greensboro, and the ninth in Guilford County. The Model Farm is formed as a non-profit corporation for the purpose of rehabilitating and preserving a historically significant farm house. Once restored, the farm house will be used as a Counseling Center, and the acreage will once again be used for agricultural and educational purposes. PGDF is perpetually designated to be the overseer of preservation restrictions.

P a g e | 4

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

An architectural and structural assessment of the house has been conducted. The house has never been “modernized.” Therefore the HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems need to be updated. Structurally the house is sound except for the foundation which requires stabilization and shoring up. The restoration is the first element of the project that needs attention, time and resources. The counseling and farming elements will provide financial resources and community awareness but depend on occupancy of the house before those elements contribute to the sustainability of the project. Restoration can begin as soon as funds have been raised and a construction loan secured. Restoration should take between 8 to 10 months.

Goal Two: Community Education

Saving the Farm, Helping the Person includes sharing benefits with the broadest possible outreach to the community at large. Regular educational opportunities will incorporate many methods and applications, focusing particularly on the organization’s core mission of providing charitable and educational opportunities. Examples can include:

Educating community about sustainable gardening and farming Outdoor community events on the Terrace Leadership development for nurturing organizational health Field trips for school groups (example: planting produce in window boxes) Nutrition education classes and workshops Yoga and other physical/mental/spiritual wellness approaches Youth group mission projects to raise awareness of local hunger issues; nurture connections between church and community;

address root causes of hunger; and help reduce food costs by teaching children and youth how to grow their own foodstuffs. High school and college internships Senior adult volunteer opportunities Partnerships and collaborations with like-missioned non-profit organizations

P a g e | 5

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

This element will require establishment of the farm and construction of the “outbuilding” in the illustration to the left. The building is programmed for classroom, group events and storage. Bathrooms and showers will be located in the outbuilding. While operation of the farm is not dependent on the showers provided in the outbuilding, it is important to the sustainability of the project. Operation of the counseling services is dependent on the bathrooms being in place in order to attain a Certificate of Occupancy.

While not part of the original house the outbuilding and terrace have been integrated into the development with sensitivity to the house and site history. The PGDF has approved the addition and it will not impact the National Register status.

Goal Three: Accessible Counseling

The Model Farm will provide accessible counseling services in the context of a Quaker Farm historical property in the heart of the Piedmont Triad. It will provide a comfortable setting conducive to healing mind, body, and spirit. Embodying some of the notable values and beliefs of the Religious Society of Friends – known commonly as Quakers – The Model Farm desires to help its visitors find Divine guidance for their lives through silence, fellowship, service, and acceptance. In the United States, the acronym SPICES (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship) is often used to help describe Quaker values. Known for being a peaceful, caring, and welcoming community, such Quaker traditions help encourage a spirit of finding wellness from cultivating the soil and contemplating the soul.

The Model Farm will offer individual, family, and group therapy services by licensed and well experienced counselors in a unique setting designed to assist clients as they come out of difficult places, regain former capacities, or learn new modalities to cope with life’s challenges. For those needing financial assistance, the model Farm will make professional counseling services available on a sliding fee scale. The reduced cost services will be paid through donations made to the non-profit organization.

P a g e | 6

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

FISICAL STABILITY

A Phased Approach

All three of the Model Farm’s elements provide synergy for each other. Yet independent of each other, the house, outbuilding and terrace could provide community education space; the field could be plowed and farmed; or the counseling center could accept clients. It all begins with the restoration and preservation of the house. Farming equipment and shelter to support the farming work can initially take place without the outbuilding facilities, but counseling services cannot be provided without climate controlled office space and new bathrooms that the outbuilding facilities will provide. Funding for the development and operation of each element lends itself to different sources. The farm will need non-profit support to supplement food and Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) sales. For the community space to be affordable, rental fees will have to be supplemented with non-profit support. The counseling services could pay for themselves or benefit from non-profit fund raising in the case of a sliding fee schedule. Yet, the first step is restoration and preservation of the building.

Restoration

The site planning, architectural assessment, and design have been completed. The next step requires a construction loan. Once the house can be occupied, the counseling center, community education, and tours can provide the operating funds. All the work leading up to the restoration beginning have been completed. All that remains is the funding.

Restoration Site PlanningArchitectural Assessment

FoundationStructure Interior

Structure Exterior

Parking Grounds

Accessible Counseling

Complete Restoration

Construct Outbuilding

Rent Counseling

Offices

Hire Adminstrative

Staff

Farming Element

Plow FieldBuild

Additional Storage

Engage farming professional

Plant cropsPromote

Educational Opportunities

Establish Fresh Food Market

Community Education

Complete Restoration

Construct Outbuilding

Construct Terrace

Promote Educational

Opportunities

P a g e | 7

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

Accessible Counseling

Kent Berry, The Model Farm president, has 17 years of experience as a therapist and 8 years of experience managing a counseling practice. Over the course of his career, Kent has experienced the strengths and limitations of different managerial approaches at 7 different counseling centers in 3 states. Although other models are still being considered, the Center could be operated with counselors working as independent contractors with the Center providing administrative support. A portion of all fees would come back to the Center. This is the standard model most used in the counseling profession today. Three therapists have already expressed interest in working at the center, and the farming element, as a source of therapy, is a significant draw for therapists looking for a unique experience. Clients will come from referrals by community leaders such as teachers, pastors, doctors, attorneys, and other mental health professionals as well as self-referrals. Educational events offered to the community at large may also lead to a participant calling the center to form a counseling relationship. Counselors will either be licensed or certified by the state of North Carolina, or they will be in the process of attaining licensure or certification. At any given time, one or two student interns from North Carolina Universities may be active on staff under the supervision of a site preceptor coupled with either a professor or contracted licensed supervisor. The Staff will be comprised of any combination of Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Certified Pastoral Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Clinical Psychologists, or Certified Substance Abuse Counselors. Collaborative relationships will be formed to supplement the services offered at the Counseling Center as well the services of the collaborating agency. For example, the free Community Clinic of High Point accepts clients for doctor appointments who do not have insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Since they do not provide Mental Health Services, the Counseling Center at The Model Farm could provide those services. Also, The Presbyterian Counseling Center in Greensboro has a psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioners on staff who could supplement the counseling services at the farm on an as needed basis. Counselors from both agencies could refer to one another based on finding the best therapist to work with a given client’s needs. A growing body of research points to the beneficial effects of green space on human wellbeing. It has been proposed that our growing separation from nature is a driving force behind a multitude of physical, psychological, and emotional ailments pervasive in modern-day society. Entire sub-fields of counseling, such as wilderness therapy and nature-based therapy, have evolved to fulfill the important function of reconnecting human beings with the natural environment. Neuroscientific studies of embodied cognition

P a g e | 8

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

have shown that explicit learning is actively supported by bodily involvement with the environment. Nature therapies build on this research, working to restore mental fatigue by involving the body in the learning process. Nature-based counseling programs such as the one we plan to offer at the Model Farm have been effectively used to combat adolescent depression, to treat cancer survivors and returning veterans, and to provide a renewed perspective for those facing life crises or adjustments.

Farming Element

Care for the farming element will be left to Master Gardeners and Agricultural Specialists. Collaborative opportunities exist with Guilford College which already has a production farm. Wake Forest University has an interest in having Master of Divinity farming interns once the farm is operational. Other opportunities exist with the Communication School of High Point University to promote all related farming events and experiences through The Model Farm’s newsletter. There are numerous paths the farm can take from a Community Supported Agricultural endeavor (CSA) to an Urban Community Garden to a pure teaching facility. As mentioned above, care for the farm can be part of an individual’s therapy. Another benefit of the farm is that food production will be the harvest. Proceeds from the harvest will first be invested back into the farm’s maintenance. Additional revenue will go toward making the educational opportunities and counseling services affordable. Food produced from the farm will also be used to provide fresh food to local food pantries and organizations fighting hunger. Opportunities to generate revenue from the Harvest include:

Direct sales during on-site events such as tours, food truck rodeos, and outdoor music.

CSA memberships

Off-site sales at Farmers Markets and local grocery stores.

P a g e | 9

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

Community Education

This element cannot be fully developed until numerous other pieces of the project are established. Both the space and farm will need to be established. The education opportunities will primarily be related to the counseling services and farming. But the space will also be offered for rent to organizations with a shared mission to that of The Model Farm. Educational opportunities include:

Coping with Grief

Building Personal Wealth

Divorce Care

How to Grow a “Fruitful” Garden

Sustainable Farming Practices The educational element will primarily be sustained by the counseling center, the farm, grants and donations. The goal is to keep cost of the educational opportunities affordable. It is hoped that both the educational opportunities and services can be marketed to persons in need who might not otherwise benefit from those opportunities. The terrace and office spaces within the outbuilding can also be rented to anyone needing a meeting, mini-retreat, or wedding space. However, it is not the intent to create an event or conference center. The Model Farm Board believes this will detract from the main purpose of the project visually, logistically and administratively.

150th Anniversary Capital Campaign

The Capital Campaign will begin in the Fall of 2016 and will continue throughout 2017 which is the year of the 150th Anniversary of The Model Farm. The goal is to raise $1 million to cover the restoration cost of the historic farm house and the construction cost of the “outbuilding” and tiered courtyard. The project’s architect has estimated the cost for these components to be between $400 and $500,000. A local bank has agreed to provide a Construction Loan once 1/3 of this amount is raised in cash and another 1/3 has been pledged. Currently a $25,000 grant has been received from the Marion Stedman Covington Foundation designated for restoring the foundation of the farm house. Funds raised exceeding the total construction cost will be used for future Historic Preservation needs; Accessible Counseling Fund; the Farming Element, and Community Education.

P a g e | 10

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUND RAISING The Board of Directors has approved a range of gift opportunities in support of start-up working capital for The Model Farm. The completed Phase I focused on securing the historic property, creating architectural plans for its preservation and adaptive use, laying a strong organizational foundational structure, and covering fund-raising expenses. Phase II is focusing on securing enough capital to cover the cost of repairing the foundation, a new roof, window repairs, and internal repairs and painting. This working capital will also aid in securing a construction loan for the remainder of the project.

Tax-Deductible Donations

The Model Farm received 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the Internal Revenue Service on February 6, 2015. Fully tax-deductible contributions may be made to The Model Farm.

Gifts may be made by:

cash or multiple-year pledges (suggested payment over two years)

gifts of stocks or other securities

gifts of property or other tangible assets

Some donors will choose to make their recurring payments by credit card (Master Card, Visa, or American Express) or automatic bank draft.

Naming Opportunities

The new facility provides excellent naming opportunities for donors who may wish to honor or remember families, loved ones, or companies. Every gift - whether large or small - is deeply appreciated and will be gratefully acknowledged.

P a g e | 11

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP The original Board was formed on the day of incorporation, June 27th, 2013, for the purpose of management of the corporation. The Board meets quarterly but more often if need be. During the startup phase of the project, the Board has been meeting more frequently.

Board of Directors

Executive Team President Kent Berry, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist High Point Family Therapy Services, PLLC Vice President Max Carter, Director of the Friends Center Campus Ministry Coordinator Guilford College Treasurer Teraesa Whitley Follin, CPA Parker, Wagoner & Roche, PLLC High Point, NC

Members William Hamilton Visiting Professor of History Guilford College Mark E. Kirstner Director of Planning Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART)

P a g e | 12

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

Project Development Team

Historic Preservation Consultants Benjamin Briggs Executive Director, Preservation Greensboro, Inc. Peter Freeman Architect, Freeman Kennett Architects

Counsel David Kyger Attorney Smith Moore Leatherwood

Advisory Council Susan S. Harman, PhD Grant Writer Hayden-Harman Foundation (board member) Tom Blount Editor The High Point Enterprise (retired) Margaret Asher, Accountant Gilliam Cobler and Moser Lissa Carter Expressive Arts Therapy Student Appalachian State University

David Long Consultant, Strategic Planning & Organizational Development John Linn Assistant Professor of Interior Design High Point University Bryan Field McFarland Hunger Action Advocate, Singer/Song Writer Salem Presbytery PC (USA) Nancy Williams-Berry Chaplain River Landing of Sandy Ridge

P a g e | 13

The Model Farm: A vision and business plan.

Attachment A: Gift Form

The Model Farm Inspiring hope and wellness through accessible counseling services and sustainable farming.

Gift Form I/we pledge to The Model Farm: Name (s) Address City, State, Zip Total Gift of: $

Please check one: Benefactor $50,000 Silver $5,000 Contributor $500 Platinum $25,000 Bronze $2,500 Friend $250 Gold $ 10,000 Pewter $ 1,000 Other-specify $

Payment of $ Enclosed To be made by Date

Please bill me: Quarterly in the amount of $ beginning (month)

Monthly in the amount of $ beginning (month) Please contact me about setting up a credit card or bank draft method of payment for this gift.

THIS GIFT IS ELIGIBLE FOR A CORPORATE MATCHING GIFT BY:

(Please attach matching gift form)

Signature Date

Contributions are fully tax deductible within the limits of federal and state laws. Please make all checks payable to The Model Farm, Inc. c/o Kent Berry 4332 Grassy Moss Drive Greensboro, NC 27409

For more information: www.TheModelFarm.org