Freedom Farm In Coker Seeks Financial Support From Northport

NORTHPORT, AL — Representatives from the Freedom Farm in Coker said Monday night that the planned foster care community has received substantial support from a range of partners, but additional support was requested from Northport due to its proximity to the new community.

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Founder and CEO Dr. John Waits and Freedom Farm Board Chairman Weldon Cole were in attendance during the regular meeting and provided a brief overview of the project to the City Council.

Waits said phase one plans for the 60-acre property call for a chapel/camphouse, eight homes, an activity center and a barn, with the goal of building a campus. Each home, he said, would have seven bedrooms and house six children each.

In total, the campus will have a capacity of 48 boys and girls.

"We want to be a safe haven for these kids," Waits said. "A community of Foster homes in Coker Alabama, provide a loving home for these children."

Cole then explained the fundraising side of the large-scale project, saying the goal is $10 million over five years.

"Some will say we have an audacious, even hopeless task," Cole said. "But we began in 2021. And in 2022 we organized. In 2023 we will complete our chapel and by the end of the we will have two homes ready for kids."

Among the different partnerships, Cole said University of Alabama President Stuart Bell has pledged the university's support, especially for its REACH program, which provides scholarships to students in foster care.

Additionally, he said DCH Health System CEO Katrina Keefer had expressed a desire to find a way to help, potentially with on-site counseling.

What's more, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey last week approved a $2.5 million grant for Freedom Farm, he said, before mentioning that $6.3 million has been pledged or given to date for the $10 million goal.

No action was taken by the Council Monday night regarding the request for funding.

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