Health & Wellness
21
The Hansen Foundation’s Enlightened Farm
Transforming Humanity, One Person at a Time, One Day at a Time Lisa Whitley, PMP – Executive Director If you asked Briana Bee at 15 years old what she thought her professional passion would be, she would have said field journalism. Little did she know that a series of impactful life experiences would eventually lead her to her role as Director of The Hansen Foundation’s Enlightened Farm ... and to a profession that is changing the lives of those battling substance use disorder (SUD). Briana’s career journey began at The Catholic University of American in Washington, DC where she studied Political Science and Public Health. “While in school I interned for the government and volunteered with my University at various nonprofits around the city” says Bee. Briana fell in love with direct service and after graduation moved to Washington state and joined a social justice network. During her first job at a community health non-profit, she “witnessed the disparity between health and the lack of access to nutritional food. She saw a huge gap in the understanding of how healthy food connected to overall physical, mental and emotional health.” At her next position with L’Arche Farm and Gardens, a non-profit organization for adults with disabilities, Briana learned the healing qualities of farming and horticulture. “Sharing a positive and growth-focused space with people disempowered by society, showed me what opportunities for human connection could look like.” It was during this time that Briana tragically lost her brother Matthew to substance use disorder. “The loss of my brother was unimaginable for my family” explained Briana. In Matthew’s memory, the Bee family established the Matthew Bee Memorial Fund (MJBMF), in partnership with The Hansen Foundation, to help individuals and families in our community battling the disease of addiction and mental health issues by providing scholarships to addiction treatment, recovery support services and resources including sober living. “It was at the fund’s second annual ‘Mocktails and Cocktails’ fundraiser in 2018 that foundation founder Jennifer Hansen spoke about the Hansen Foundation and Enlightened Farm. I knew at that moment I wanted to move back home to New Jersey and bring horticulture therapy to people healing from addiction.” As director of the 400-acre organic Enlightened Farm, Briana established a variety of skill-based and therapeutic substance use disorder and recovery programs. “We focus on cultivating a sustainable, healing environment
through Horticulture Therapy, Regenerative Agriculture, Nutrition Education, Employment Programs, Workshops and Volunteer programs.” The Enlightened Farm provides local and organic produce to all of our partners at Enlightened Solutions Treatment Center, Enlightened Solutions Detox, Serenity Recovery Houses, Enlightened Café and farmer’s markets throughout the community. “We understand that the regenerative process of nature mirrors the regenerative process of individuals healing from addiction. My team and I work to nourish people through a variety of directives and programs, bringing those in recovery, those impacted by substance use disorder, and those who are committed to holistic wellness together,” Bee explains, “We teach people how to create a healthy life Briana Bee environment and a healthy relationship with food.” Briana is known for her charismatic personality. Many describe her as having the ability to shine “a bright light of healing power” on those who work with her. “She is always 100% present and committed to everything she does,” says alumni and colleague Shirley. “I am truly passionate about what I do,” says Bee. “I am humbled that my personal experiences are able to help people overcome challenges and grow in new ways. I am grateful to have found my purpose.”
MORE ABOUT THE HANSEN FOUNDATION The Hansen Foundation transforms live—helping ALL people become healthier and happier. For more information, or to support the life-changing work we are doing at The Hansen Foundation, please visit us at www.hansenfoundation.org or reach me directly at lwhitley@hansenfoundationnj.org To learn about The Matthew Bee Memorial Fund (MJBMF) go to www.hansenfoundationnj.org/ hf-matthew-bee-new or The Hansen Foundation’s Enlightened Farm go to www.hansenfoundationnj.org/enlightened-farm.
The Hansen Foundation, Inc.
4 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 3 | Galloway, NJ 08205 Mobile : 609-968-3873 | Main: 609-270-4443 | Tax ID #31-1667973 lwhitley@hansenfoundationnj.org | hansenfoundationnj.org
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
July/August 2021
