We are created for community.

The first thing “not good” in creation is for the human being to be alone (Gen 2:18). We are only complete in our relationships with others. So we are born into families…we are born into community. Unfortunately, many families do not provide the connection, care and love we need to thrive, and sometimes become places of hurt and harm. When our communities breaks down, and families become places of abuse, our bodies break down.

But, as Bessel van der Volk attests, “our capacity to destroy one another is matched by our capacity to heal one another. Restoring relationships and community is central to restoring well-being.”

Tikkun Farm intends to be a place where relationships of trust and healing are restored. This may begin when a person connects with one of the animals on our farm, realizes they are in a safe place as they gather for a farm to table dinner, begins Spiritual Direction, or feels the changes that happen to their body and spirit after a Healing Touch session. Tikkun Farm also supports a community that lives intentionally together on the property shaped by a Rule of Life integrating meaningful work, spiritual practices and regular fellowship.

While restoring community often begins on the individual level, it cannot end there. Our neighborhoods, cities and workplace communities also need experiences of restoration. The relationship in Mt. Healthy between the mostly African-American, low-income children and youth living in rental properties, and the mostly white property owners, reflects the polarization found in other communities around the country. Recent events in our nation highlight the need for environments that create reconciling experiences in racially divided communities. Through programs offered at Tikkun Farm we hope to be that kind of environment, both for our neighborhood, and for other communities healing from conflict.