Get Him to the Greek (2010)

Leave it to me to find one of the best kept secrets of Winston Salem, O'so Eats. A Greek owned restaurant that serves everything from a Seafood Fradiavolo to Meatloaf. A Thank You to my friend, Milo, who referred me for a job, I am currently employed!! :) By the end of my first shift I found myself annoyed that I hadn't been in to eat before. The food looks FANTASTIC and the prices are definitely something to write home about. Take a look: 

http://www.osorestaurantgroup.com/

It was a huge mistake to work my first shift on an empty stomach. As the servers swooshed passed me delivering entrees I felt the hunger bury deeper inside until I finally convinced myself to order something. "Forgetaboutit" A citrus Alfredo pasta and chicken dish. 'Incroyable!'

Nana's Foster

I've made it a personal goal to try everything on the menu! Starting with a few employee favorites which have not disappointed yet. I've met some really awesome people already that I can't wait to work with more. Let's hope this year's schedule is allowing, because Mama needs to make some money. 

PEACEHAVEN Community Farm

I recently had the pleasure of being introduced to a very inspirational cause:
Peacehaven Community Farm. One of my very best friends, Austin's family founded this farm and he shared the story with me which has really touched me. 

From the website:
http://peacehavenfarm.org/index.html

Peacehaven Farm will be a place where adults with intellectual and physical disabilities can come and live permanently. The farm will have individual homes where the residents and assistants will live. Many different farming activities are being considered including having a community garden. We are also actively exploring the possibility of having a fiber farm. Wool from our sheep could be sold as part of a cottage-industry.

Inspiration came from their experiences. Peacehaven Farm is inspired by the family members of the farm's leaders: Tim and Susan Elliott, and Buck Cochran. All are parents of children with special needs. They have experienced the joys, the heartaches, the quest to "fix", and the awe and wonderment of having someone they love with intellectual disabilities become all they were meant to be.

The Elliott's twin son had a brain hemorrhage shortly after birth. They wanted to ensure that not only was their son cared for, but that he was also in a learning and loving environment. They began looking at different opportunities for their son. Then they met Buck Cochran, a former associate pastor at the Elliott's church. Buck had long had an interest in people with disabilities and in the ministry of L'Arche communities. The L'Arche model pairs residents with assistants and it is in that space, Cochran said, lives are transformed. The residents become our teachers and we all grow. In the fall of 2007, the three began transforming a place called Peacehaven from a dream to a reality.

In 2009 Susan lost her battle with cancer but her vision continues to inspire the board, staff, and many volunteers who brought the farm and its programs to life in 2010.

Home on the farm. Peacehaven Farm focuses on three areas: growing, healing, and community. A farm was conceived because it epitomized many of the values the Elliotts and Cochran believe:

Everyone is valued.

Everyone can contribute.

Everyone can become the person they were meant to be when in a nurturing, supportive environment.

"Growth in the personal, spiritual, vocational or even in the practical nature should never be underestimated. While living on a working farm, the residents and their assistants, volunteers, and staff will see growth all around them as they grow into the amazing people God wants them to become."

"Throughout their lives, people with disabilities and their families have faced physical obstacles, stares, good intentions, rejection, invisibility. Peacehaven farm was not created to accommodate people with intellectual and physical disabilities -- but to celebrate them. The founder of L'Arche, Jean Vanier, describes such places as "communities where people whatever their race, culture, abilities or disabilities, can find a place and reveal their gifts to the world".

How to help? The needs of Peacehaven Farm will change with time, the seasons, and with the members of the Peacehaven community. Your help now is needed to focus on the many details that lie ahead. Thier email newsletter is a great way to stay up-to-date on farm happenings and volunteer opportunities. Click here to be added to the news letter:

https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/phf/survey.jsp?surveyId=1

Located in Whitsett, NC. Very close to Greensboro and Winston Salem for anyone interested in volunteering, let me know and I will join you! :)