Ray Angers

Community Farm

    The Ray Angers Community Farm is a working farm in West Newfield, Maine, operated by York County Shelter Programs.  It offers an agricultural training program and cooperative community housing for formerly homeless clients.

    One of the primary goals of the Ray Angers Community Farm is to safely house residents in a cooperative community setting while providing support, case management, and work training experiences.  Part of a residency at the Farm will include working on living skills that will assist clients in remaining in permanent housing and the continuation of treatment and support services.

    Some of the focus areas of the Agricultural Apprenticeship Program include farm practices, carpentry, forestry, plant and animal care, manufacture of value-added products, business sales, community relations, cooking, housekeeping, and skills of daily living.

View from Ray Angers Community Farm

Bill took responsibility for building a new portable chicken coop.

The greenhouse at the Farm

Ted works on the roof.

Roger Winn donated the two heifers to the

Community Farm.

The portable chicken coops for the free range chickens are moved throughout the property.

Residents sell wreaths during the holidays.

Residents are encouraged to make wreaths and rustic furniture at the Farm through the Agricultural Apprenticeship Program.

The Farm is heated entirely by wood.

Steve Cotreau and Liz Mahoney

                                                              Guiding Principles of the Farm

1.     All who live here have great worth.

2.   The Farm is a peaceful place inhabited by folks committed to living a clean and sober life.             

      The Farm is a healing place.

3.    Those who live at The Farm have traveled far and have each brought unique and different

        gifts.

4.    In order to help the farm stay healthy and natural, and to grow, the people who live here

       work hard to stay healthy in all ways.

5.   Working hard to be a positive force in the community helps community to grow, and all

      who live here.

6.   The work needed to maintain and grow the Farm, is shared by all of the residents, who

      share in all of the bounty.

7.    The residents who live at the Farm will be stewards of the land.  They will follow

      natural organic farming standards.  They will ensure the health of the Farm and the

      sustainability of the land, habitat, animals, and or livestock.