Hughesville, MD – The Southern Maryland community came together over the past 15 months to help a 45-year old man prepare for freedom after 26 years in prison. Thanks to Farming 4 Hunger, JB Thomas is updated on technology, reacclimatized to society, prepped for his driver’s license test, and has been hired for a full-time job, all before being released. Numerous volunteers, students, employers, church groups, professionals, and local workforce partners contributed to Thomas’ success, and of others finishing out their sentences at Farming 4 Hunger. The long-term goal is to reduce recidivism rates.

 

Farming 4 Hunger (www.farming4hunger.com) was formed in 2012 as a 501(c)(3) at Serenity Farm in Hughesville, Maryland to serve those in need of fresh food in Southern Maryland and the State. Since its founding, Farming 4 Hunger has distributed nearly 7 million pounds of fresh food to the hunger community. The founder, Bernie Fowler, Jr., had a vision through his own personal struggles to help people gain better access to fresh fruits and vegetables, but he also knew that hunger comes in many different forms and he further developed a partnership with the Department of Corrections Southern Maryland Pre-Release Facility (DOC) in order to give justice involved individuals a second chance after release. Farming 4 Hunger works with men such as Thomas, helping them gain skills that will support them in family-sustaining employment, and become contributing members of the community.
Farming 4 Hunger relies heavily on volunteer help to accomplish its mission “to feed the hungry and help feed the soul. Hunger comes in many different ways. Healing the mind, body and spirit is at the core of Farming 4 Hunger. We believe if you serve others, you too will be fed.”

Thomas is just one of the many success stories at Farming 4 Hunger, and the first returning citizen to have a job prior to release, thanks to Chaney Enterprises, headquartered in Gambrills, MD. Thomas is the third returning citizen hired by Chaney.

March 24 will be a day of celebration, luncheon and giving.

Celebration, Luncheon, and Giving

March 24, 2017
11:30 – 1:00pm 
Farming 4 Hunger
6932 Serenity Farm Road
Hughesville, MD 20637