GiveTLH 2023: Old stuff funds new chances at The Living Harvest

Have you ever thought about what happens to the clothes, appliances, and other items you donate to local thrift stores? If you’ve dropped off a carload of donations at either of the two locations for The Living Harvest, your donation has helped a local man beat alcoholism and reverse a pattern of incarceration.

The Living Harvest’s motto is, “recovery, re-entry, and restoration,” and the organization is a residential recovery, reentry and restoration program.  All proceeds go directly to helping the men in their program recover from substance abuse, reenter society, restore their families, and become positive members of our local community.

The Living Harvest is also one of six local nonprofits being recognized by the Beatitude Foundation and GiveTLH, a community effort underwritten by philanthropist and businessman Rick Kearney. Each organization’s story has been shared in the Tallahassee Democrat, along with information about how you can help.

“Some of the toughest challenges faced by men in prison are not while incarcerated but when released and trying to get back on track,” says Executive Director Jordan Cooper. “Finding transportation, employment, and a place to live are hardships that make it all too easy to end up back in prison.” Founded in 201, the faith-based organization exists to help rebuild the lives of people and families impacted by substance abuse issues and the criminal justice system.

They provide food, housing, and spiritual and vocational programs to those who wish to free themselves from the destructive hurts, habits, and hang-ups that have dictated their lives.

The primary goal is to facilitate a stable environment that gives individuals an opportunity to rebuild their lives and re-enter society as an active contributing member by achieving residential stability, increasing their skill levels, and obtaining greater self-determination and moral integrity.

Some of the Living Harvest’s financial needs are met by their two thrift stores, one on the north end of town and the other on the south end. The rest are financed through private donations.

The Living Harvest can house up to 28 men for the nine-month program consisting of spiritual counseling, mental health counseling, addictions education, case management, anger management, medical and dental services, reintegration skills, employment assistance, online educational learning programs, vocational training, and transportation assistance.

“We also help with court documents, completing community service hours, meeting probation requirements, and finding employment,” says Cooper. He shares the inspirational story of a former resident, an Army veteran who developed substance abuse after a successful career. “His life took a downward turn until he decided enough was enough,” shares Cooper.

“He came to The Living Harvest, applied himself both in his studies and work, and completely turned things around.  Since becoming sober, he has truly become a role model to so many looking to do the same. He has rekindled relationships with his family and is an integral part of The Living Harvest, mentoring and demonstrating to the newer residents what it takes.”

The Living Harvest needs your help. “Our most urgent need right now is reliable transportation for the program,” says Cooper. “With 20 men in the program it is difficult to get everyone to their obligations and appointments. This GiveTLH gift has provided the funds to continue to improve our program and community outreach efforts in order to have an increased impact on the lives of the men and their families.”

GiveTLH honorees each receive a $1,000 grant from the Beatitude Foundation and a 12-month membership to United Partners for Human Services, a collaboration of over 200 human service organizations focused on advocacy, engagement, and community education.

After reader voting in November, the top three organizations will also receive grants in the amounts of $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000, respectively, and a free registration and exhibitor booth space for the United Partners for Human Services Annual Conference. The first place winning organization will receive $5,000 in services from BowStern Marketing, as well as LocaliQ for a total of $10,000 in marketing services.

About #GiveTLH

#GiveTLH, underwritten by the Beatitude Foundation and Rick Kearney, is a look at six nonprofits in our community and how you can help them in their life-changing work. At the conclusion of this series, Kearney will award grants to the nonprofit that gets the most votes in an online poll. For more profiles, visit give.tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: GiveTLH 2023: Old stuff funds hope at Tallahassee's Living Harvest