The mission of Freedom Farm Ministries is to offer restoration through the transforming power of Jesus Christ to men who are broken by substance addiction.
ABOUT FREEDOM FARM MINISTRIES
Founded in 2006 by a husband and wife team, Freedom Farm Ministries provides residential treatment for adult men struggling with substance abuse. Set in Boone, N.C., the nonprofit organization utilizes a heavily faith-based approach to inform its long-term program, which consists of three distinct phases: the Safe House, the Christian Recovery Center, and the Discipleship Living Center. Detox is not provided on-site. The facility is one of the 16% of facilities in N.C. to offer long-term residential care.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Before being accepted to the program, clients must complete an application process and participate in an interview. Once accepted, clients begin their stay in the Safe House, a temporary residence designed to prepare individuals for the next phase of treatment. Most men spend 45 to 90 days in this phase, participating in daily bible study, fellowship activities, and weekly individual counseling sessions.
Once they are deemed ready, clients progress to the Restoration House, which provides an intensive, 40-day program consisting of biblical studies, individual counseling, and faith-based homework. Men in this phase are expected to move on to the Discipleship Living Center, a program that usually lasts six to eight months, that includes biblical teachings and individual counseling, but also guidance on employment and money management.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
Freedom Farm Ministries’ programs are facilitated by spiritual counselors and administrative staff. The facility offers a 1:6 staff-to-client ratio.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Set on a rural 36 acre farm, the facility’s multiple residences can house up to 18 men at a time. Each home is flanked by mountains and surrounded by acres of untouched, rural space. The center’s shared residences have a rustic, cabin-like quality, and the residents are expected to maintain their living spaces and participate in the upkeep of the facility. Meals and transportation to work, including access to vehicles for individuals with driver’s licenses, are provided.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY
To date, alumni response of the program have been mixed. Of the 17 alumni surveyed by Best-rehabs.com, 12 shared positive experiences, and the other 5 alumni were emphatically displeased with the program. Alumni who were critical of the organization noted a lack of counseling and addiction education.
“This is not a rehab, this is a bible boot camp. All you do is study the bible and work for free… You will not learn one bit about how to live clean and sober,” P.J.W. wrote. S.R.H. also found counseling to be lacking, noting that it was “not worth the money.” Like the other surveyed alumni, C.M. felt that the program consisted of bible study and little else. He also commented on the “Very run Down” living conditions.
However, many surveyed alumni found the center’s programming to be effective. Most respondents highlighted the supportive staff and fellowship among peers as strengths of the facility. In a lengthy five- out of five stars review, R.W.H. highlighted the lasting friendships he made while at the facility.
And while others were frustrated with the heavily religious programming, multiple alumni found it helpful to their long-lasting sobriety. “I was able to replace my need for alcohol a with need for a loving Savior,” Bill wrote in a representative review.
On the facility’s Facebook page, which the facility can manage, 57 individuals awarded the Freedom Farms a high average rating of 4.6 out of five stars. A vast majority of alumni attributed their sustained sobriety to the faith-based programming. “I will always be greatful of freedom farms for all they done for me .Forever Grateful Always,” Darrell, a representative reviewer, wrote.
WHAT FRIENDS & FAMILY SAY
Reviews from the four loved ones polled by Best-rehabs.com were mixed, though some respondents were disappointed with the care their family members received. Angie took issue with the program’s lack of counseling and the employment of newly sober program graduates. “First there is no counseling, second they allow people that have been in the program for about 3 months to be in charge of the newcomers and obviously that does not work,” she wrote.
In response, the facility offered an official statement through Best-rehabs.com. ”For a parent to believe their child is not changing means coming face to face with more pain and disappointment so instead of accepting the truth they retreat to a state of denial.” This prompted two additional negative reviews from loved ones who expressed their disapproval of the center’s leadership. “It shows weakness and poor leadership. Instead of addressing the issues voiced you blame it on a parent!” Christy wrote in her one-star review.
One loved one did provide a mostly positive review, providing the program’s treatment effectiveness with four stars. “Staff was very supportive and they had great pricing. However, they need better exercise options,” D.M.W. wrote. Loved one reviews on Facebook also echoed alumni opinions, many of whom appreciated the faith-based approach. “This ministry has brought immeasurable joy and peace to me and my family,” Debbie, a representative reviewer, wrote.
FINANCING
There is a $750 entry fee that covers the first five weeks at Freedom Farm. After the fifth week the facility charges a $150 weekly fee that covers programming, room, and board. Insurance is not accepted, and the center does not provide financial aid.