Get involved!

  I am beyond grateful for your desire to share one of your most valuable assets with us- your time! We are thankful for your interest in Restoration Farms and want your experience with us to be nothing less than gratifying and satisfying.   

  Before committing to becoming a volunteer, however, we ask that you seriously consider what your motivation is for wanting to volunteer with Restoration Farms. Many times, people get the idea that volunteering for someone in need will create a picture-perfect moment in which the receiver of your time and talent will joyfully thank you for your service. That may or may not happen. Working with this population in any aspect can be frustrating, disappointing and challenging at times. But it can also be the most rewarding experience of your life. It all depends on you what prompted you to serve in the first place. We want your experience with us to be as wonderful as your time deserves. That’s why it is important to know what your motivation is to get involved.

   Many time’s volunteers come to help with a cause with the expectation they can change someone. I personally experienced this many times, but one time in particular stands out. There was a young woman who I spent countless hours and put in much effort for to help her get sober and keep regain solid relationship with her child. After a year of sobriety, she relapsed and lost custody of her child. I was absolutely devasted and felt defeated. I was reminded that each individual has a personal choice and responsibility. And although I felt my efforts went to waste, the truth is that it’s not over until she quits breathing. God continues to work even when I can’t see it. God never wastes our servanthood.  

   We can’t change anyone nor are we called to change anyone. We are called to love them where they are in hopes that God will restore and transform the person’s life. One scripture I hold onto that has encouraged me when the weight of volunteering begins to discourage me is found in Philippians 1:5-6 which states, “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” We are called to serve in the capacity that God has called us to and God will carry it out to completion. 

  One of the greatest blessings in volunteering at Restoration Farms is getting to see God’s miraculous restoration right before our eyes. I’ve seen women overcome harmful addictions and traumatic experiences, families restored that were once broken and children heal and regain healthy relationships with their mother’s.

 I am honored to share the privilege to witness these miracles with you. Thank you for committing to walk alongside us on this journey at Restoration Farms. 

 Your sister in Christ,  

 Rachel Short Founder of Restoration Farms