New foster home community creating a fresh start for Alabama’s foster children

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In the small town of Coker in west Alabama, a devoted group of people are dedicating their time, energy and money to help solve one of the state’s most pressing issues: how to properly care for the 6,000 children in Alabama’s foster care system.

To do so, the group is developing Freedom Farm, a nurturing community that offers abused, abandoned and at-risk youth the love and stability that every child deserves. 

Creating a new beginning for Alabama’s foster children

To learn the full story about Freedom Farm, you need to talk to founder Dr. John Waits.

As the Medical Director of DCH Wound Care and a Tuscaloosa surgeon with decades of experience, Dr. Waits has always had a soft spot for children in the foster care system.

“Through my work, I began noticing children who drew the short stick when it comes to life. Since I grew up in a secure home with two loving parents, my heart went out to those kids. And I was never able to shake that thought of those kids from my heart.”

Dr. John Waits, Founder & CEO, Freedom Farm

Through church, life and work, Dr. Waits connected with Weldon Cole, Cathy Wood, Joseph Deason and other individuals who shared his passion for supporting foster children. Together, they crafted the vision for Freedom Farm.

“At its core, Freedom Farm is a community of foster homes that will provide housing, resources and support for neglected and abused children in Alabama’s foster care system. At Freedom Farm, we aim to give our children the ‘freedom to soar.'”

Weldon Cole, Board Chair, Freedom Farm

According to Executive Director Cathy Wood, each foster child at Freedom Farm will be given three promises, each represented by a symbol:

• An anchor, representing the safety, security, stability and love they will receive.
• A compass, representing the roadmap to life provided by Freedom Farm
• A cross, representing hope

“Many of the children in Alabama’s foster system have trust issues, and understandably. We had one child who, by the age of nine, had lived in 22 foster homes. That kind of upbringing has a noticeable effect on their psyche.

Through love, support and programs like equine therapy, we want to help these children break out of the shell they’ve been forced to create and get to live the life a child should.”

Cathy Wood, Executive Director, Freedom Farm

Bringing the vision for Freedom Farm to life

To help bring their vision to reality, the Freedom Farm team hired Birchfield Penuel Architects (BPA), a Birmingham-based full-service architecture and design firm headquartered in downtown Homewood.

“BPA and Freedom Farm share a deep commitment to community, care, and lasting impact. With our extensive masterplanning experience and passion for designing spaces that foster connection and well-being, we bring a thoughtful and intentional approach to every project.

Freedom Farm’s mission to create a nurturing environment for foster families aligns perfectly with our dedication to designing spaces that uplift and support people. This shared vision makes our partnership a natural and meaningful fit.”

Alicia Pughsley, Principal, Birchfield Penuel Architects

After meeting with Dr. Waits and other members of the Freedom Farm team, BPA’s team of architects developed and presented a master plan for the foster care community. Located on an 80-acre property donated by Dr. Waits in Coker, AL, the Freedom Farm campus will include:

• A foster home neighborhood to house 100 children
• Playgrounds
• Freedom Center with gymnasium and gathering spaces
• An event pavilion
• A general store
• Oak tree meditation garden
• An equestrian barn + walking/riding trails
• A garden center + teaching garden
• Beautiful views of pastureland
• And more

“Working with [Birchfield Penuel Architects] has been a pleasure, but what really made a difference to me is the fact that they really care.

When I tell someone about Freedom Farm, most will just nod their heads; the Birchfield Penuel Architects team came all the way out to the land and truly seemed to buy into our vision.”

Dr. John Waits, Founder & CEO, Freedom Farm

Although several of the foster homes are already completed, the first community project completed will be the Freedom Center, a large activity center and central hub that houses activities for residents and guests.

“Being a part of the Freedom Farm project is incredibly meaningful. The opportunity to help shape a space that will serve foster families for years is humbling and inspiring.

We take great pride in building lasting relationships with our clients, and knowing that our design will support the mission of Freedom Farm makes this project truly special.

Creating environments that nurture people and foster community is at the heart of what we do, and Freedom Farm allows us to live out that purpose profoundly.”

Micah Martin, Senior Associate at Birchfield Penuel Architects and Project Architect for the Freedom Farm project

Here’s how you can support the Freedom Farm project

Whether you’re a potential donor, volunteer or just someone who believes every child deserves a fair shot, Freedom Farm can use your support. The Freedom Center portion is planned to begin soon, and project completion depends on fundraising timelines.

Freedom Farm has multiple ways to make a philanthropic gift, including:

• One-time donations and planned giving
• Naming opportunities with buildings and rooms on the Freedom Farm campus
• Sponsorships
• Annual gifts
• And more

Visit Freedom Farm’s website to learn more about the project and how you can get involved.

Excited to see Freedom Farm provide a safe home for children in Alabama’s foster care system? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!

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