echo-lake-farms

RDY Breaks Ground on First Agricultural Foster Home

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:51:48 GMT

Dec. 12, 2025 Echo Lake Farms Groundbreaking

On Friday, Dec. 12, supporters gathered in Melrose, Florida, for a milestone moment: the groundbreaking ceremony for the first home at Echo Lake Farms —a new agricultural community where foster families can raise children in a farm setting.

Hosted by Rotarians for the Development of Youth (RDY) , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the event took place on the first of ten planned homes within a project site of more than 200 acres of donated land . Rotarians, clergy, neighbors, representatives from foster government agencies, and community supporters stood together—united by a shared belief in a bold, people-first idea: that a stable home plus a healthy agricultural lifestyle can help foster children grow into responsible, well-rounded young adults.

A milestone years in the making

“There were happy tears all around,” said RDY board chair Larry Klaybor .

Reaching this point has been a long journey—nearly six years of work that included securing RDY’s 501(c)(3) status two years ago, navigating major project steps, and honoring the legacy of Milt Starnes , who passed away last year.

“Reaching this milestone…has been an emotional and deeply rewarding experience for everyone involved,” Klaybor said. “We are especially grateful to Milt and his wife, Judy, whose generous donation of the land made Echo Lake Farms possible.”

What Echo Lake Farms is building

Echo Lake Farms is RDY’s first major initiative and is designed to become a one-of-a-kind agricultural foster-care community .

Over the next decade, RDY plans to build 10 foster homes , each on its own mini-farm . Each home will provide foster children and their families with a stable, nurturing environment—one that’s grounded in daily routines, hands-on learning, and the kind of community support that helps families thrive.

To the best of RDY’s knowledge, there is no other project like it.

A legacy rooted in farm life

Judy Starnes shared why the farm setting mattered so deeply to Milt.

“Milt was raised on a poultry farm,” she said. “He credited that agricultural setting—with its 5,000 chickens and the work of providing hatching eggs to large hatcheries—for instilling in him the values of responsibility, hard work, and a sense of purpose. These are qualities he hoped would help shape the futures of these foster children.”

That vision is now becoming reality—one home at a time.

A day filled with meaning (and momentum)

Adding to the significance of the day, Judy closed on the sale of the home and 17 acres she and Milt had lived on—property owned by RDY—and used the proceeds to further support Echo Lake Farms.

In a remarkable twist, the family who purchased the property had a special connection to the mission: Milt had served as guardian ad litem for the family’s son.

And the support didn’t stop there. A guardian ad litem attending the event made a $1,000 donation on the spot , underscoring the community’s belief in what

Echo Lake Farms can become.

Honoring early champions: The Miller dedication

The first home at Echo Lake Farms is dedicated to RDY board member and donor Russ Miller and his wife, Susan . Close friends of Milt Starnes, Russ and Susan have been involved since the project’s inception, and their commitment and generosity have helped carry the vision forward.

What’s next—and how to help

Echo Lake Farms is a $4.3 million project designed to give children valuable life skills, a strong work ethic, and a sense of purpose through hands-on farming experiences—within a supportive family setting.

A ribbon cutting for the first home is planned for this summer , and RDY continues to seek funding and in-kind donations to complete construction and begin work on the next home in the Echo Lake Farms community.

To get involved, support Echo Lake Farms through donations or in-kind contributions at https://www.echolakefarms.com/ .

You can also follow Echo Lake Farms on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EchoLakeFarms .

Echo Lake Farms Groundbreaking

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:09:55 GMT

Rotarians for the Development of Youth to Break Ground on Echo Lake Farms Foster Family Housing Project

Rotarians for the Development of Youth is pleased to invite the media, dignitaries and the public to its groundbreaking ceremony for Echo Lake Farms, an innovative agricultural project designed to provide homes for foster children and parents in a positive farm environment.

The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at 6192 County Road 219, Melrose, FL. The event is open to the public, and photo opportunities will be available.

Echo Lake Farms represents the first project for Rotarians for the Development of Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering responsible, well-rounded and productive young people through exposure to an agricultural upbringing integrated with the local community.

“To the best of our knowledge, Echo Lake Farms is the only project of its kind in the United States—an agricultural foster-care community designed as a series of individual mini-farms where licensed foster parents raise children in a stable, nurturing farm environment.” said Judy Starnes, who with her late husband Milton donated the land that made the project possible. “By providing homes in an agricultural setting, we strive to instill values of responsibility, hard work and a sense of purpose that will help shape their future.”

The project will build 10 foster homes over 10 years on approximately 5-acre plots. Each mini farm will provide a home for a foster couple committed to caring for children placed with them through the court system. The $4.3 million project is located on more than 100 acres of donated land.

Our goal is to provide an agricultural environment where children can gain life skills, develop a strong work ethic, and discover a sense of purpose through hands-on farming experiences while living in a stable family setting.

We welcome your support through donations and in‑kind contributions; for more information about Echo Lake Farms or to learn how to get involved, visit www.echolakefarms.com .

Why Give to a Foster Family Housing Project: Transforming Lives, One Home at a Time

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:00:59 GMT

Discover how providing homes for foster families in a supportive agricultural environment can transform the lives of children, offering them stability, life skills, and a brighter future.

Providing foster families with safe, supportive housing is one of the most effective ways to transform the lives of vulnerable children. At Echo Lake Farms, our mission goes beyond merely offering shelter—we create an environment where foster children can thrive, grow, and build a brighter future. By raising children in stable family settings within an agricultural community, we nurture essential life skills and instill values such as responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork.

Many foster children have experienced instability, frequent moves, and uncertainty. A dedicated foster family living in a supportive environment can provide the consistency and love these children need. Unlike large institutional homes, where children often feel isolated, living in a family-centered agricultural setting helps them form stronger emotional bonds, develop a sense of security, and build self-confidence. Studies consistently show that children raised in family-based settings perform better in school, develop healthier social skills, and are more likely to become productive members of society.

Our agricultural setting offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in hands-on activities, such as caring for animals or maintaining gardens, which fosters a sense of purpose and achievement. These real-world responsibilities teach essential life skills, preparing foster children for adulthood. This approach has proven successful in similar programs, where foster youth not only gained practical skills but also developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for nature.

By giving to a foster family housing project, you’re not just helping to build homes—you’re helping to build futures. Your support directly impacts the lives of foster children, giving them a chance to grow up in a loving family and a nurturing environment. Together, we can break the cycle of instability and create lasting, positive change for generations to come.

Ready to make a difference? Donate today and help transform lives, one home at a time.

The Power of Family: Why Raising Kids in a Family Environment Matters

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 10:00:59 GMT

Placing foster children in loving family environments provides the emotional stability, social development, and academic support they need to build a brighter future.

Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. For foster children, who often face uncertainty and instability, being placed in a family-based setting can make all the difference. Research consistently shows that children raised in family environments experience better long-term emotional and psychological outcomes than those placed in institutional group homes. The power of family lies in its ability to provide stability, nurture personal growth, and instill a sense of belonging.

In a family setting, children have the opportunity to form meaningful, consistent relationships with caregivers. These relationships are essential for emotional development, helping foster children feel secure and valued. In contrast, institutional group homes often lack the individualized attention and emotional support that children need, leading to feelings of isolation and lower self-esteem. A family environment offers the personal connection that is crucial for developing trust, empathy, and resilience.

Academically, children raised in family settings tend to perform better in school. With stable routines and encouragement from caregivers, they are more likely to stay engaged in their education and achieve higher levels of success. The supportive structure of a family helps foster children build confidence, set goals, and develop a strong work ethic—key factors for future achievement.

Social development is another critical benefit of growing up in a family. Family environments offer opportunities for foster children to learn essential social skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and cooperation. These skills are vital for building healthy relationships and succeeding in adulthood.

By placing foster children in family-based settings, we not only give them the love and support they need but also set them on a path toward a brighter, more successful future. At Echo Lake Farms, we are committed to creating homes where foster children can thrive, grow, and experience the true power of family.

Growing Responsibility: How an Agricultural Setting Builds Life Skills in Foster Youth

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:00:59 GMT

Discover how an agricultural environment helps foster youth develop essential life skills like responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving, preparing them for a successful future.

Providing foster children with a stable home is just the beginning—giving them an environment where they can develop essential life skills is what truly sets them up for long-term success. At Echo Lake Farms, we believe that an agricultural setting offers a unique opportunity to teach foster youth responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences that can’t be replicated in traditional environments.

An agricultural environment naturally cultivates a sense of responsibility. Whether it’s feeding animals, tending crops, or maintaining equipment, foster youth learn the importance of showing up and completing tasks on time. Caring for animals, in particular, creates a deep understanding of accountability, empathy, and dependability—qualities that are essential in both personal and professional life.

In addition to responsibility, an agricultural lifestyle fosters perseverance. Growing crops and raising animals require patience and hard work, as results don’t come overnight. Children learn to overcome challenges, adapt to changing conditions, and stay committed to their goals, even when faced with setbacks. These lessons translate into resilience, a trait that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Teamwork is another vital skill developed in an agricultural setting. Many tasks require collaboration, whether it’s planting a garden, building a fence, or harvesting produce. Working alongside others helps foster youth build communication skills, trust, and the ability to work toward a common goal.

Finally, problem-solving becomes second nature in this environment. When issues arise—such as an unexpected weather event or equipment failure—children learn to think critically and find solutions. These problem-solving experiences build confidence and prepare them for real-world challenges.

At Echo Lake Farms, we’re not just providing homes for foster families—we’re creating an environment where foster youth can grow into responsible, resilient, and capable adults, ready to tackle life’s challenges with confidence.