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FREEDOM FARM A Beacon of Hope in Coker january / february 2026
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Just a short drive from Northport, nestled on 80 acres in Coker, lies a special place called Freedom Farm. This faith-based nonprofit offers a sanctuary to children who have endured some of life’ s hardest challenges— abuse, neglect, and abandonment. At Freedom Farm, the goal is to provide what every child deserves: an anchor of stability, a compass to guide their future, and a cross to remind them of hope through faith.
The vision started with Dr. Johnny Waits, a Tuscaloosa surgeon who felt called to help children in foster care. His dream quickly became a shared mission, with leaders like Board Chair Weldon Cole and Executive Director Cathy Joiner Wood joining forces with community partners and volunteers to bring Freedom Farm to life. They’ ve been inspired by similar ministries like Big Oak Ranch and are determined to meet the critical need here in Alabama, where more than 6,000 children are in state custody, but fewer than 2,300 foster homes are available. Freedom Farm is working to address this urgent need.
The campus itself is being built as a true community. Plans include family-style homes where children live with loving parents, activity centers, playgrounds, equestrian trails, and even a chapel that was dedicated in 2024. It’ s a place where kids can heal, grow, and simply be kids again. Many children entering foster care have experienced dozens of placements before finding stability— Freedom Farm aims to rewrite that story by offering consistency, love, and faith-filled guidance.
This vision is only possible with the support of neighbors who believe in brighter futures for children. Generous support from state, county, and city officials— as well as foundations and individual donors— has already helped lay the groundwork, but the need is ongoing as Freedom Farm works toward its goal to complete the campus and expand its reach.
Whether through volunteering, giving, or simply sharing the story, there are many ways for our community to be part of this mission. Freedom Farm reminds us that, together, we can provide safe homes, nurturing love, and lasting hope for Alabama’ s most vulnerable children. To learn more or get involved, visit www. freedomfarmal. org or call( 205) 736-4001