The Farm at Penny Lane
Chatham County, NC
The Farm at Penny Lane uses a holistic and sustainable approach to enhance the quality of life of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
Research indicates that these non-traditional methods, when combined with clinical care, majorly enhance the benefits of treatment and recovery leading to a much more enhanced quality of life.
Clients learn how to grow nutritious food for themselves and others, as well as skills that equip them to thrive - physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially.
Farm Programs
Horticultural therapy
In partnership with the NC Botanical Garden, this therapy program offers weekly sessions that focus on both indoor learning, and outdoor gardening in an inclusive group setting. Through working with plants, a client can improve physical/emotional/social health, nutrition, and develop skills.
Farm-to-home produce pack
This program offers fresh produce grown on-site to individuals with a serious mental illness on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to improve mental and physical health for a nominal fee. Our crops are grown using organic practices by people living with mental health conditions, community volunteers, and staff.
Farm-to-clinic harvest
A therapeutic-vocational program in which individuals receiving services at the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health harvest and pack these produce bags in a supportive environment and have the opportunity to socialize with peers and staff during lunch.
The Wellness, Education, Leadership, and Lifestyle (WELL)
In partnership with the UNC School of Nursing, the WELL program is a weekly, class-style learning environment with the goal of providing meaningful, and wellness-based classes. Activities include Healthy Cooking Classes, Yoga, and Social Relationship Skill Building.
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Farm, click this button to view the current schedule and available times.
To determine Farm program eligibility, discuss applications and/or referrals:
Please contact
Matt Ballard, Farm Program Manager
Email: matthew_ballard@med.unc.edu
Office: 919-445-0665
Cell: 919-533-9397
April Harper, Poultry Program Manager/ Matthew Ballard, Farm Manager/ Michael (Bruno) Sorentino, Farm assistant/ Jessamine Hyatt, Farm Manager "As seen in Chatham Magazine"
April Harper, Poultry Program Manager “As seen in Chatham Magazine, photography by Hillary Graves Photography”