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The Boaz Story
From the outside you could be forgiven for thinking that The Boaz Project hidden away in the Hampshire countryside is a series of regular farm buildings with your usual, traditional farming activities taking place, but inside - when you open the doors to Boaz - there is something quite magical going on. There are many transformations taking place inside with volunteers, members and staff all experiencing their own unique and fulfilling journeys. Based just outside Winchester at the idyllic setting of Hill Farm, Boaz was created by a group of people who saw a need for a therapeutic and horticultural working environment for adults with learning disabilities to find a sense of purpose and achievement, to learn new skills and to develop in a supportive environment when the generic world of work failed to offer them these opportunities. They felt that especially for teenagers leaving school there was a lack of opportunity. With a community of 100 - consisting of members, volunteers and staff - The Boaz Project today is a bustling hive of activity providing a therapeutic work environment where the character and needs of adults with learning disabilities are respected and nurtured and where they can achieve a sense of self worth and learn new skills. Within the barn, you will find up to 14 adults each day being helped by volunteers and staff from all backgrounds working on the land, looking after the animals, baking, making craft goods, working wood in the workshop and building not only products to sell to help fund the charity but to also build their social skills. Boaz is a fine example of people from all walks of life enjoying working and learning together, shoulder to shoulder and enhancing each others’ lives. The project's Christian ethos seeks to address the whole person in body, mind and spirit, aiming to release each person's full potential. |
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