By Lydia East

Hopelessness has consequences.

“A person who doesn’t have hope is hopeless. That will turn into hurt, and hurt will turn into anger, and anger will turn into rage, and rage will turn into violence,” said Ken Kilpatrick, founder of Hope Afield at Blessings Farm. 

That’s the reality Ken and wife Jan work to change through an unlikely avenue: agriculture.

The Kilpatricks established Hope Afield to serve at-risk youth ages 5-18. Through agriculture, the Butler County-based ministry teaches life skills, builds character and restores hope.

“We are about offering hope through the outdoors,” Ken said. “If we can get them outside, we can teach them things that can’t be taught in a classroom.” 

Every activity is intentional, teaching practical skills while creating opportunities for students to grow.

“It is our desire to use this farm to the glory of God and to be a blessing to others,” Jan said. “We have a passion to work with at-risk youth and their families.” 

Some lessons begin in the garden, where children plant fruits and vegetables and prepare farm-to-table meals. Others happen during daily chores.

“We want to teach them life traits,” Jan said. “It may be cooking, learning to plant and take care of a garden, putting air in a tire or opening a gate. We are teaching them basic skills they are going to need to be productive citizens of the community.” 

Simple responsibilities often become turning points. As children gain confidence in tiny tasks, they begin believing they are capable of more, Jan said.

Hope Afield also reinforces valuable skills through equine activities.

“A horse’s instinct is almost a supernatural thing because they can tell how people are feeling,” said Callie Horne, director of operations. “If a child is hurting on the inside or there is anger, the horse can sense that.”

Building trust with a horse requires patience and consistency — qualities Horne wants for every child who leaves the farm.

“Horses are looking for a confident, trustworthy leader,” Horne said. “You can’t force a half-ton animal to do anything, but with a trustworthy and confident leader, you can get a horse to do what you’re asking them to do.” 

For Jan, the greatest transformation isn’t measured by what the children accomplish but how they begin to see themselves.

“We have kids come in, and you can see the hurt and anger on their face,” Jan said.  “As they get used to being out here and relax with us, you can see that kind of melt away, and smiles come back on their faces.”

Every interaction is rooted in compassion and patience fueled by faith.

“Our purpose goes back to doing what Jesus has called us to do,” Ken said. “From a spiritual standpoint, the Bible talks about His creation and how His handiwork is in everything. When you get kids to see nature, there are a lot of lessons you can bring out.”

Horne said the farm’s impact reaches far beyond the children they serve. 

“We think we are helping these kids, but they are helping us,” Horne said. “We’re the ones who are blessed.”