The Farm at Penny Lane:
The UNC Farm at Penny Lane, operated by XDS inc partners with individual with serious mental illness to grow nutritious food for themselves and others and offer integrated community-based, therapeutic programs in an inclusive farm setting. Located on 40 acres in northern Chatham County, the recovery programs offered through the Farm at Penny Lane aim to increase protective factors for social determinants of health. These factors include supportive relationships, social inclusion and a person’s belief that recovery is possible with the skills someone can develop and improve upon.
PhotoVoice:
One therapeutic program offered in two sessions this year introduced photography as both a creative, therapeutic outlet and to empower participants with a strong voice to share their lived experiences with others. We explored the basics of photography and worked together to explore the photographs taken at the farm and in their own lives as a means of emotional expression. Participants were offered themes such as “transition,” “gratitude,” and light in each session to guide their image-making.
Learn More: Farm at Penny Lane – UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health