Life on The Farm: ‘When I came here, I had nothing’

Former Farm client Kylie (left) says CEO Kate Cleary’s rehabilitation facility saved her from a life of substance abuse and domestic violence.

In December 2021, trapped in a life of substance abuse and domestic violence, Kylie reached rock bottom.

“My first son was taken away from me when he was a baby, and I had fallen pregnant again with my second son,” she said.

“The day I had him, he was taken. I knew there and then I wasn’t doing it anymore. Having nothing and no one – being at my lowest low – was a big change for me. I needed to get myself better to get my children back.”

The very next day, the young mum filled out an application for residency at the Farm.

Nestled in the serenity of the NSW countryside, the not-for-profit charitable organisation was established to support women recovering from alcohol and drug misuse. The rehabilitation work of the Farm is underpinned by the belief that whatever has been lost in a person’s life can be restored.

Founder and CEO Kate Cleary said the Farm had a special focus on women whose life circumstances had made it impossible for them to look after their children.

“That’s our focus – the aim of part of the program is that mothers be well enough for children to be returned to their care,” she explained.

“We have a very ambitious goal. These things that the women come in with are very difficult and often entrenched and the situation is very recidivist. So, our goal is that all that stops; they remain abstinent and get on their feet permanently.”

The Farm program supports this through the transition to a job, a house and a support network, alongside what Kate refers to as the “heroic internal work” the women must undertake during their journey.

“Often their lives are very fractured, and they don’t have any of the things that normal life consists of, and that is often a cause of relapse, so that is what they come here for,” she said.

“It is contrast, I guess. What they were experiencing had to be undone by a completely opposite type of world. They often escape violent relationships and overcome the sense of powerlessness that this creates. The program changes their sense of self and their sense of environment by providing a safe and secure home – physically and psychologically. There is an opportunity for vocational development and systems to reunite mothers and children.”

Kylie, who has just spent her first Mother’s Day with her boys, credits the Farm with turning her life around.

“When I came here, I had nothing in life,” she said.

“I didn’t know how to read or write. I had no purpose, no routine. Being here has completely changed me. I can do just about anything now.”

The young mum now has a job, a house, a car and, most importantly, her children.

“Your recovery isn’t just given to you. You have to work for it,” she said.

“I never thought I would be here. I could never imagine myself being where I am today. I am really proud of myself. It was the best feeling ever when the boys were dropped back to me. I had wanted it so much, for so long. It means everything now.”

• The Farm in Galong is a not-for-profit community organisation providing women with the support they need as they undergo restorative programs at a place of restoration for women and children affected by substance abuse. You can donate to their important work here: https://thefarmingalong.com.au/donate