Gilead Foundations is a Christian Therapeutic Community, based on a farm in Devon, whose foundational aspect is community care - for people who are battling with life-controlling problems such as drug & alcohol abuse & related issues.
Community living can be described as a group of people choosing to live and work together for the common good, for adherence to positive principles, mutual commitment and “The Good Life”. In today's society of individulism, the community spirit is largely lost, resulting in loneliness and autonism. Maybe you, as you read this article, are one of many with a secret yearning to get away from it all, yet still be involved in a worthwhile cause.
One of the Gileads' core principles is to promote a sense of family, identity & security - often missed in an individual's background. The countryside environment, less accessible to temptation, helps to rehabilitate individuals desperate to break free from their addictions.
The farm supplies all the community's dairy & meat needs. Practical involvement in the daily routine of dairying, milk processing and livestock management provides excellent therapy for the students who come for help. One of the current challenges is expanding sales of our 'Naturally Wholesome' dairy products.
Gilead is always keen to recruit skilled workers to enhance the community and to help train the students. Community members share work in various departments - on the farm, in administration, catering, maintenance, building, mechanics, & childcare. They may also have the opportunity to get involved in the GF communities internationally developing in Romania, Nigeria, and Canada. The community supplies its members with all their basic needs, accommodation, transport, etc, plus a small weekly financial allowance.
Returning to the community's primary focus – the students – there is a very structured training course in place. As students complete their training, they are supported in moving back into society, though some choose to remain in the community.
The Christian aspect also has a positive effect on the environment, and opportunity to be involved in morning devotional times, group discussion & therapy, & community church meetings. Whilst “being a Christian” is not a requirement, the community ethos is based on Christian principles.
Has this brief overview of GF aroused your curiosity, or whetted your appetite to take a closer look? We are always seeking to expand the core community.
If you have any of the skills mentioned above, or you're a support worker, caterer, chef, therapist, counsellor, nurse, gardener, or HGV driver, we can use your skills! Whether you come short or long-term.
We urgently need people skilled in Catering, animal husbandry, building & maintenance, & motor mechanics.
Please see Vacancies page for more information about the opportunities & needs we have. For further info, please contact us for a chat or application form:
Ian and Bronwen Samuel
Gilead Foundations
Risdon Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 3AJ
or email us.