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.
