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The Journey Within Program

The Journey Within program of Unfragile Farm focuses on supporting individuals who have been freed from wrongful incarceration, offering a safe place to heal from the trauma of injustice and inhumane treatment. The program offers space and encouragement for participants to rediscover their sense of self, purpose, and community through a combination of therapeutic and healing practices, community engagement, and sustainable living.

The Journey Within program is offered in various modalities: 3-6-month residential farm sabbatical; intensive retreats ranging from 3-14 days; and workshops and events.  In the extended farm sabbatical participants are provided room, board and services, and also have the opportunity to earn a monthly stipend from their contributions to Unfragile Farm. 

The Journey Within also works on holistic healing with families and loved ones of people who have been wrongfully incarcerated through intensive retreats, workshops and events.

Core Program Components

Trauma Healing &Recovery
  • Trauma resolution and Healing: Journey Within incorporates the innovative practice of Compassionate Self Archeology (CSA) to provide intensive trauma resolution services. CSA is a holistic and integrative practice based on the approaches of Gabor Maté, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Intensive Trauma Resolution (ITR) and somatic healing. CSA works to heal the wounds of trauma impacting mind, body and soul and free a person from being stuck in unconscious trauma responses. At the core, CSA supports participants in unearthing and reconnecting with their Authentic–loving, loveable, capable, worthy and whole—

 

  • Self-Rediscovery Programs:  Activities and workshops will be designed to help participants explore and reconnect with their strengths and passions, facilitating a process of self-rediscovery, empowerment and ability to make personal choices for themselves.

 

  • Mind-Body Integration: Daily practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and somatic experiencing will promote healing and self-awareness, supporting participants in releasing the physiological and physical impact of traumatic wounds and enhances a healthy embodied experience.

 

  • Art and Creative Expression: Art, music, and writing will be incorporated as therapeutic tools, providing participants with creative outlets for emotional processing and self-expression.
  • Purpose Workshops:  Workshops will help participants identify and pursue meaningful goals related to personal development, career aspirations, and community involvement, guiding them in rebuilding a sense of purpose.

 

  • Community Circles: Safe spaces for sharing stories, building trust, and fostering a sense of belonging will be created, encouraging participants to connect and support each other.

 

  • Engagement and Mentorship Opportunities:  Participants will be encouraged to engage in the broader activities of Unfragile Farm, and offered mentorship opportunities with other wrongfully incarcerated people allowing them to contribute to and support others, reinforcing their sense of purpose and community.
  • Aquaponics Farm:  The existing aquaponics farm on the property will be used to offer participants the opportunity to engage in the natural and generative growing of organic produce as a calming and healing activity.

 

  • Gardening: The farm includes seasonal vegetable, perennial and herb gardens. Participants will be encouraged to engage in gardening as a therapeutic activity, helping them reconnect with the earth and the process of nurturing life.

 

  • Culinary Therapy: Cooking and meal preparation will be incorporated as therapeutic activities, allowing participants to engage in a creative and communal process that nurtures both body and mind.
  • Nature-Based Healing: The natural beauty of Lake Michigan, the surrounding peaceful farm environment, and a 100-acre woods across the street will be leveraged for healing activities such as nature walks, outdoor meditation, and eco-therapy, promoting a deep connection to nature.
  • Educational Programs: Workshops and discussions on social justice, the criminal justice system, and the rights of wrongfully incarcerated individuals will be offered, raising awareness and promoting advocacy.

 

  • Leadership and Advocacy Training: Participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become advocates for themselves and others, empowering them to share their stories and fight for justice.

 

  • Community Outreach: Unfragile Farm will partner with the Wisconsin and National Innocence Projects and other organizations to raise awareness about wrongful incarceration and its impact, advocating for systemic change.
  • Legal and Advocacy Organizations: Partnerships with groups and law firms that support wrongfully incarcerated individuals will be established, providing referrals for program participation as well as legal aid and advocacy resources.

 

  • Community organizations: Outreach and partnership will be established with community organizations and other supportive groups in the participant’s home city to ensure an ongoing continuum of care.
  • Participant Feedback: Regular feedback from participants will be collected to assess the effectiveness of the program and guide improvements.

 

  • Long-Term Impact: Participants’ progress in terms of trauma recovery, social reintegration, and personal development will be tracked post residential services.

 

  • Community Impact: Unfragile Farm’s influence on raising awareness about wrongful incarceration and promoting social justice will be measured.

Who Will Benefit from the Journey Within?

The Journey Within program of Unfragile Farm will offer a transformative experience for individuals who have been wrongfully incarcerated, providing a holistic and supportive environment where they can heal, rediscover their purpose, and reconnect with a community. Through healing centered practices, generative connection and immersion in nature, and social justice advocacy, Journey Within will not only support individual recovery but also contribute to broader efforts for systemic change.

Together, we can cultivate a future where resilience flourishes, trauma is transformed, and humanity grows stronger, unfragile, and united.

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