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CONTACT US:
Phone:
519-773-2292
E-Mail:
info@farmtowncanada.com
Join our mailing list! E-mail the address above for more information.
Mail:
46703 Mapleton Line
RR7 Aylmer, Ontario
Canada N5H 2R6
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Farmtown Founders
Kelly Franklin on How the Farm Began
"It was on Lakeshore Blvd in the city of Toronto while attending social work school. interning in ministry and raising my son on my own that I fell in love with kids and community. It is when I met kids whose names and lives I will never forget. Many I picked up on a church bus, some I met in a storefront community centre, and almost all I fed breakfast to at one time or another, and also had the difficult honour and even spoke at one’s funeral that was much to early an event. Kids from all backgrounds, walks of life, but each had a need to be special, feel important and have someone give up some time to help them see that about themselves. And so it is in any city, community, town and hamlet. Kids can be in need and kids can be invisible and kids can be in trouble and families can be overwhelmed.'
"I don't really remember how it became my passion, but seeing the best in and for each child regardless of their circumstance, background, family situation, IQ, or past came easy for me. So I dedicated my life to empowering children and advocating within and for communities. It’s a funny thing to find out what your purpose is….no matter what obstacles stand in your way, what disappointments you face, or how many folks think you have lost your way…you cannot explain what you know and feel in your very soul. It is that passion, need and seeing the fruit of your labour that keeps George and I going day after day year after year…not only with the programs and kids, but the barns, grounds and animals that need us.'
"Kids matter, and they need help to not only know that, but live it where they are at at the age they are at now. One of my favourite quotes goes something like this: “there are no bad kids, just kids who make bad choices”. My life’s mission is to work to the best of my ability to provide a space that kids can come to where animals and rural life can help them to find their purpose, their value and the ability to make choices for themselves that will give them health and happiness.'
"So here I am years later with lots of life experiences in the inner city, country, churches, social service agencies, schools and everything in between…a great husband, family and son and daughter in-law that understand the call to empower children and their families with tangible programs that prove that God loves them and has a plan for their lives To date over 3500 children and families have passed through our farm gates working with our faithful staff and volunteers and amazing animals. Not only in Camps; but each week in dynamic programs, counselling and personal groups teach them about God’s unyielding unconditional love for them.'
"I've learned a great many things since those first days in Etobicoke. I can assure you I am not who I was when I began this journey, and am still learning and growing as God’s own work in progress. But I do believe that I have a call to personal action today, not waiting for my tomorrow but making it happen. I often say to people who ask me, how do you do it, or, I could never do it..and say this…we all have only 24 hours in a day..and it is the most priceless commodity God has given us all…once you give your time away…you can never get it back. And that is why giving your time to children means so very much, because the little ones understand what you are giving them is precious and priceless. As long as kids need to hear the message of love and empowerment , I will give my time and life to: speak, advocate, teach, reach and even preach, and give my time.'
"Will you join me?"
Kelly Franklin MSW SSW - Executive Director
Kelly is the backbone of Funny Farm and Farmtown Canada. A visionary, and gifted speaker & facilitator, she is passionate about the value of children. Kelly’s academic background in empowerment counselling, social work and community development lends itself to daily activities, oversight of programs, and events. This, along with years of counselling and program development as a pastor and Children’s Director in church and para church settings, helps community families and groups through the agency. Her own personal life experiences lead her to a faith walk that is novel worthy. Her personal story of overcoming obstacles helps her connect powerfully to people from all walks of life. Having developed programs for boards of education, community agencies, churches, and parent groups, Kelly is the pilot at the grass roots level day to day.
Cecil “George” Franklin - Farm Director
George is the day-to-day go to guy of Funny Farm and Farmtown Canada. George’s farm upbringing and work in the Coop Feed Supply business lend themselves to excellent animal husbandry and care. His strong faith and belief in serving the community by meeting needs is an inheritance from his parents Cecil and Freda who always opened up their farm to help families and children. George’s dedication to funding programs means he works off-site to provide the space and animals needed to run the farm. His personal story of overcoming relationship struggles and life’s storms without sacrificing integrity is shared with those who need encouragement. Having worked with youth and travelled to orphanages in other country to bring supplies, his heart and life are for kids and their future.
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| SAVE THE DATE... |
Farmfest 2011
September 10
Farm Work Day
November 19
More dates...
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Unable to help financially?  See what else you can give, or volunteer!
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