Hanover Farms

Jeff and Angie Sears see their farm as more than a business; they see it as a ministry. They recognize the blessings they have received are opportunities for them to give back to others. Hanover Fruit & Vegetable Farm, works in constant partnership with the Richmond Outreach Center (The ROC). Many of the dedicated workers on the farm and the friendly folk at the Vegetable Stand are part of The ROC's Discipleship Home programs. The ROC offers over 125 ministries, programs, and services that serve over 4,000 at-risk, urban youth, teens, and adults each week.

Since 2001, The ROC has been impacting the lives of individuals all over Richmond. The ROC's ministries include youth programs, job readiness classes, a residential drug and alcohol treatment program, two private schools, and a free health clinic. The ROC also works in coordination with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, the Richmond Police Department, and the National Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to reduce gang crime and involvement around Richmond. In fact, The ROC's youth programs were highlighted by the OJJDP in their most recent "Best Practice" manual for reducing gang activity.

Each Saturday, The ROC sends 20 buses into Richmond's worst neighborhoods to bring over 1,000 youth to church. Every year, The ROC's "Fall Festival" brings over 1,000 of these children to the Hanover Fruit & Vegetable Farm for a "Day in the Country." Many of these children never have the opportunity to go outside of their inner-city neighborhoods. Each child who comes receives a Hay Ride, a meal, a chance to visit the animals, and gets to go out and pick their very own pumpkin.

For more information on making a difference for the children of our city through The ROC, please call (804) 675-4101 or visit www.TheROC.com.