Glory be to God for Freedom Farm Ministries, and their amazing Director, Jim Quigley, and all Spiritual Advisors, including Mike and Steve.These amazing men helped save our son's life by guiding him to establish his relationship with God, and, YES, this saved Brandon's life!!Our story begins over 10 years ago, when Brandon was in high school and the drugs in South Florida are, sadly, a large part of most youth's lives. Over a period of several years, he was exposed to different types of opiods, etc., and he slowly became engulfed in a deep, dark hole silently spiraling out of control. He had moved out of the house and held down a full time job, however, we had to face the fact that he had an addiction and needed help. We tried several rehabs in South Florida, and he would go through the medical detox, a few meetings afterwards and then he would just be let out to begin the cycle once again. They just didn't seem to care. This went on for years and it became increasingly apparent that Brandon's addiction was going to lead to his death, very soon, if we didn't find a way to save him NOW! We were scared to death every time the phone rang, would this be the time the Narcan didn't save him?In March of 2017, that is when my husband finally found Freedom Farm Ministries! We spoke to Jim on a Friday evening, showed Brandon their Facebook page, and he agreed to go! He flew up the very next week and entered the Safe House and this is where our story goes from dark and despair to peace and light!! Praise the Lord! We finally found the group of men who would care about our son's life, show him he does matter, and show him his faith in God will be the light that leads him through his next chapter, his addiction free life!We have had the pleasure to visit Brandon in Boone, NC, and to drive around the mountains and enjoy God's beautiful and amazing country there, and to see the homes where Brandon stayed during each phase of his recovery. More importantly, we got to attend a worship service with Brandon and meet all of the incredible men who have guided Brandon along the way, and we also spent time with his Brother's in Christ, who are really great guys, all thanks to Freedom Farm Ministries.Brandon is now 7 months clean, and we are so blessed to have our son who his addiction free, works full time, is responsible with his money, is full of love, joy and happiness and is so happy to be alive! He is so blessed to be part of this 1 year program, and he is actually an inspiration to our family now.Our deepest thanks from the bottom of our hearts to Freedom Farm Ministries for saving our son's life!!
I went through this ministry over 7 years ago, and have remained in Boone since. The Lord used FFM to get me back on track after a long battle with addiction and also working in similar ministries. The bottom line is the individual has to be ready to change. FFM provides that safe space for the Lord to work on hearts. The classes and book work were all specific in areas most men in addiction need. Jim (the director) is extremely knowledgeable, of not only the classes, but in the Bible and has been there himself. He has done an amazing job transforming this ministry to focus on the men and their needs. I highly recommend for anyone seeking to change their lives and get on the road the Lord had for you all along! My prayers are with you!
I’ve been remiss. Let me explain. This morning I decided to call Freedom Farm Ministries to ask for their help once again. My son’s close friend had died in California and I needed to let my son know but I also wanted him to be surrounded with the support of his friends at Freedom Farm when I told him the news. I didn’t want my son to be alone with it.
It is important for someone out there (a parent, or a spouse of a loved one who is in the throes of addiction) to know that there is a ministry, Freedom Farm, which operates by providing real care for the addicted individual. And, though this non-profit runs on the principle of finding freedom in Christ, which will cause some people to question its efficacy or legitimacy as a rehab—I want to provide a review describing my experience with Freedom Farm which speaks to the seriousness and professionalism of the entity.
When my son left California and headed to Boone, North Carolina in an attempt to find safety at Freedom Farm Ministries in March 2019 he was hopelessly addicted to opiates and meth. My son had begun using drugs at age 15 and the addiction became worse over time. Surprise! He was 27 as he made his way to North Carolina.
Here is another important thing for someone out there to know; my son chose to go to Freedom Farm. He wasn’t forced to go but he was running out of options.
He said that he was ready for a big change and that he was open to changing his ideas. However, when he arrived at FF and entered the Safe House, he was a fish-out-of-water culturally and spiritually. It wasn’t easy for him. As an atheist and a philosophical determinist his views didn’t jibe with Freedom Farm’s Christian teaching. But I digress here. This is my son’s story to tell. My review has more to do with my experience with Freedom Farm as a parent of a twenty-seven-year-old son who desperately needed help.
At first I was reluctant to contact any of the staff at FF so I didn’t reach out to them until I received “the phone call” from my son. He “needed” to come home. “I’m ready to come home,” he promised. He said that after two months he had learned all there was to learn at FF and he said, “Don’t worry mom, when I get back to California, I’ll get plugged into a church and I’ll go to meetings etc. etc. etc…” Never believe these promises!
I’m a real sucker for my son—a consummate enabler, and I really didn’t know what to do. Finally…I prayed and then I called FF and was lucky enough that Will (one of the staff) picked up and patiently talked me through my questions. He didn’t tell me what to do. He listened and he assured me that my son was welcome at FF and that he was making good progress. This call helped me to grow in my resolve. I told my son that he needed to stay and finish the program.
My son kept growing and maturing as he endured the FF program. Still, I got “the phone call” again, a second time. My son “needed” to come home. He said, “The Freedom Farm staff don’t like me. They want me to leave.” His pleading had my enabler’s heart bleeding. I agonized, thinking, “My son isn’t wanted. He’s not happy. I better fly him home!” I didn’t know what to do. So…I prayed, and then I called FF and this time I spoke with Jim (FF staff member) who patiently and professionally listened to my concerns. He answered my questions and reassured me, and as it turned out everyone (the ministry staff and my son’s extended family) agreed that my son should stay. We believed that he needed to complete the yearlong program.
Now here is where it really gets good. The yearlong program at FF has three contiguous phases. Phase One takes place at the Safe House. Phase Two takes place at the Restoration Center and if the men can cut it they will make it to Phase Three where they reside as disciples in the ministry’s sober living homes. Well, it took my son three tries to make it through Phase Two at the Restoration Center; he was sent back down to the Safe House twice! The third time’s the charm however, and here is the good news. The third time around, my son had finally had enough of resisting the message of freedom in Christ. Intellectually, it was still hard for him to believe but he had come to the point where he wanted what these others had. The proof of their changed lives had attracted him and so he took the leap of faith. Will (the staff member who runs the Restoration Center) baptized my son and my son’s life has truly, miraculously changed.
This past March 2020 my son graduated from the yearlong FF program. I flew to North Carolina to take part in his graduation as he was “prayed out” during the Wednesday night midweek chapel at Alliance Bible Fellowship, which is the church partnering with FF ministry. It was fabulous to visit the high country in North Carolina, and a privilege to meet the FF staff along with some of the men in the program with my son. I really wanted to be there in person so that I could express my gratitude, celebrate with my son and spend time with him in his new home state.
Then, just two days ago on May 20th, I learned that one of my son’s closest friends in California had died. It has had such an impact on me because I grieve over another young life lost and I grieve for the parents of that beautiful young man and I worried and wondered how my son would take this bad news. So…I prayed and I called FF and talked to Margaret and her husband James (not Jim this time, but another staff member, James) and James understood my concern. He knew what to do and within two hours James met with my son, and as my son sat in his office James called me so that I could tell my son about his friend, and when we hung up James was there for my son to counsel him.
This is my review of Freedom Farm Ministries. I’ve needed to give them a review and hadn’t. That is why I’ve been remiss! But here it is. The staff of FF is professional and trustworthy. The experience at Freedom Farm can be life changing for your loved one and an absolute blessing to you, their family member. I am forever grateful to this ministry. This is my message to whoever is out there and needs to hear it—if your loved one is willing, then encourage him to stay at Freedom Farm for a full year, and then leave him in the hands of God and the loving and professional FF staff.
This place is TROUBLE. As Landowners, near both locations in Creston NC, we are trespassed upon multiple times every year. We have found clients in our barn and removed over 20 people trespassing. We have contacted "Management" multiple times with not so much as a call from the people who actually run this place. The Ashe County Sheriffs Dept. can't even receive a call back. We have caught their clients on our land after dark, sneaking around. Multiple clients have been caught, by us, drunk and on drugs. We've had their clients "flipping out" screaming in terror and being chased "by the devil" while strung out on drugs. The clients we catch all say the same thing..." we didn't know"...Freedom Farm makes no effort in keeping their clients off private property. They do not inform clients to stay off private land and apparently have no "Bed Checks" or Head counts to keep up with their clients. In 10 years not a single complaint has been answered. They refuse to call back or answer Emails. This "Christian Ministry" is far from anything to do with Christ. It's all about MONEY. If they cared for their clients, the clients wouldn't be out taking Nature Hikes on POSTED Property without permission...and someone should have noticed clients missing. The clients also tell of being forced to apply for Food Stamps and then they must turn over the Food Stamps to Freedom Farms. That sounds awful fishy to me ???? The clients are then made to pay for milk and food out of their own pockets. Sounds like this place is more a scam for profit, than a Christian Rehab.
Bottom line. These clients have a disease and need guidance, structure and a healthy environment. Running around wild through the woods is only helping those cashing the checks. Refusing to acknowledge Freedom Farms is responsible for the Health and Welfare of their clients is going to lead to more trouble and the possibility of a client dying while "escaping" in freezing weather, only to be found frozen to death, being shot, mistaken for a deer or shot while flipping out on drugs and attempting to break in a local's house or worse. Freedom Farm also houses Sex Offenders. Needless to say, I've told my wife to "shoot and ask questions later". Freedom Farm is not the place to send your loved ones for Rehab. Their only care is your money...and Food Stamps !
This is such a awesome program it worked for my son till he came back around his old crowd and he did relasped which landed him in prison but he completed the program he met great guys and we loved visiting him there in Boone. I know God works even when sheep get lost but I'm thankful for my son and addiction is tough I loved looking at the Facebook pages each week and usually seeing him preticapating in something Samaritans purse or at this river spot all the guys posed together the church they attended is great we drove 3 and a half hours just to attend with him it has good people that help. And worked him when he got to that point. Thank you jim
I am a parent . My son was healed of drugs And he got saved there. He is clean for almost 3 years now and a much more loving and happy person. Thank you, God and Freedom Farm.
Freedom Farm Ministries is a place where men come to regain their lives through the power of Jesus Christ. I'm living proof this place works. I thank the management staff for dedicating their lives to this beautiful ministry. I will endorse and support this ministry, the rest of my life.
My brother came into this program last July as a last resort and honestly it saved his life, both physically and spiritually. We helped him choose this program without any references, just the guidance from God because this was exactly where he needed to be! He has worked hard, been provided with the life changing skills he needed and is in the process of rebuilding his family.
I think every single person is touched either directly by addiction, or indirectly. We all feel the pain and sorrow it brings. We all have suffered in some way. But some of us are blessed when the story takes a turn like mine did.
A few short years ago I sat next to my brother 3 separate times in the hospital as he struggled to survive his latest suicide attempt or drug overdose. He tried to get clean, but was too overwhelmed by the temptation that seemed to follow him. While in rehab in South Florida people would stand outside the wall and throw drugs over to the patients inside. How can anyone make it with drugs being served to them constantly. I called around to my family and friends and told them he needed to get out of Florida. I knew where his path would lead if he didn’t have a complete environmental change. A safe place to retreat. That’s when my cousin found Freedom Farm Ministries.
I can honestly say having a place like Freedom Farm who made it so easy to get my brother in (all he had to do was apply himself) changed everything. So many commercial rehabs were dead ends. Freedom Farm is a safe haven for those who are ready to commit to the healing Christ can provide. That healing, like the pain I mentioned earlier, spreads across to the entire family.
I look at where God has brought my brother today, and cry tears of joy. Today he is happily married and a father. His life is devoted to helping other get free from the boundage of addiction. I know not everyone’s story will have the same ending that goes to Freedom Farm Ministries. I know that trusting in a program that looks to God for healing seems like it is missing something, but I also know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Several years ago a godly couple, Robbie and Rita Collie, were led by God to start Freedom Farm Ministries. (FFM) My son eventually became a client.
Having realized that I was “enabling” and not “helping” him (get free from his addiction) I tried “TOUGH LOVE!” (It was the hardest thing I ever did!) I thought I would lose him forever but it was my last resort.
Having almost died several times, by God’s grace he was spared. I finally said “I love you but will no longer be there to save you”! That is when things started to change and a friend sent me info on FFM in Boone, NC. Thank God!
HE HIT ROCK BOTTOM and that is when the journey began to freedom from addiction and a life of dependence on God.
He was accepted into the program. His third rehab! Now some have said that the accommodations are not the best, but are crack houses, bars and being tied down in a hospital bed better? I think not!! Having no insurance meant beggars can’t be choosers and the price was manageable. And it was a Christian rehab! You couldn’t communicate for some time but he made it through the Safe House and on to Restoration and Recovery!
FFM hasn’t gotten it right every time but who does? We all make mistakes and God loves us all the more!! The ministry has gone through changes but with the direction from a Board of Directors of men and women devoted to God and this ministry, it is fulfilling its goals. Men are surrendering to the Word of God and His promises and receiving grace, forgiveness and freedom from addiction.
We are BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE and are praying for the growth of this needed ministry and those who have dedicated their hearts and lives to seeing men and their souls saved and free!! Joy is for those who seek it!!
I was in a deep pit of despair called addiction, but was given hope by this ministry which I know is ordained by God for his purpose. Opiates had become a habitual recreation where it became too much to handle and quickly turned my life upside down. I went to FF and was shown nothing but respect and love by the staff and the guys who were in every stage of the program. I thank God for providing a place where I was able to get away from the noise of the world, and able to be still and know that he is God and all things are orchestrated by his hand. Thank you Freedom Farms
I arrived at FFM July of 2015. Been in an out of rehab, on probation, and in an out of jail.
I need help and a 12 mouth program is what I needed. On the out side everything. My wife and I had just bought a house good job. Got my License back. But inside I was a wreck. Got my 2nd DWI,then after 10 days in jail I was at FFM. The BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT!!!!! I reached out for help and God made sure I had it. Jim, Mike, Steve ,Pastor Scott and my brothers at FFM. I was broken and 1 day at a time things got better. Was ever day rainbows and unicorns? No, with the guidance, and coaching of Jim, Mike, Steve, Pastor Scott I grew in my Faith. I’ve been clean and sober for 2yrs and still going glory be to God. I owe everything I am to my Lord and to the men named above. I have abundant life. Is life smooth with no rocky parts? No, my Lord and Saver makes my way for me. Now when I get out of sorts I know I’m going out with out my Father’s guidance.
May God bless you and your FFM with FFM.
James Gibbs 7/10/15 to 7/10/16
Yes I finished my 12 mouth commitment that I agreed to with Jim. God has blessed me.
I had been to 7 rehabs with no success and then I found ffm. It was tough for me for awhile because I did not know Jesus when I got there and the farm is all about Jesus. Through bible study,devotions,church and counseling I finally knew the truth, and that truth is Jesus. Now I finally had peace and did need any substance to change the way I felt. I praise God for Jim and staff for showing me grace and being patient with me as I grew in my faith. I owe my life to God but ffm was a tremendous part of my success. If you have a problem and need help I highly recommend this ministry.
Freedom Farm Ministries , an answer to this Mom’s prayers.
My son became addicted to opioids (pain medication) due to a back injury. He is a highly educated and technically oriented young man with a huge heart. He was raised in church and had a happy childhood. He was always the life of every party and always had a smile. He was a successful manager with a six figure salary. That is until he fell victim to drug companies and the carelessness of healthcare professionals. He took pills so he could work. Then they gave him more pills because he couldn’t concentrate, then more because he couldn’t sleep. All so he could work and keep up with the demands of his position.
It stole his smile, his laughter, and almost took his life on many occasions. His body became a lifeless shell. I was helpless as a mother and felt I no longer knew who he was.
He wanted so badly to overcome his addiction. I tried everything I knew to help him. He tried to do it on his own. He tried government programs and suboxone and counseling and I could go on and on.
I knew without a doubt that I was going to get a phone call to tell me that he had overdosed. I was always waiting through many sleepless nights. Wondering where he was, had he ate, what was he doing, who was he with.
I had a surgeon to call me a hospital conference room and sit in front of me with tears in his eyes because of his condition.
I became numb. I didn’t know what to say to him anymore. I finally told him I would never give up on him but if he didn’t find a way to beat this addiction, he would without a doubt die. God had spared his life over and over for a reason and he needed to figure out what his purpose was in life because he wasn’t promised another day or chance at life.
And then, I found Freedom Farm Ministeries. I shared the website with him and asked him if he was interested. Yes! He was! I told him he had to make that call and admit himself. And he did!
He has been there since June 15th, two days before his birthday.
He is with men who understand with no judgment. He is in church when he doesn’t have to be. He has not only been successful in their program but is now employed by them. He is helping others overcome their addiction. He has found his purpose and I have my son back!
They not only help them overcome but help them get re-established in life.
I get so tired of reading and hearing of sweet lives wasted to overdoses. This is a place they can go to heal and reflect and ask for God’s help and guidance. I thank God daily for them and the people who support them.
Freedom farms gave our family hope when we thought there was none. My son was facing jail time. He chose to go through the program at Freedom Farms instead. He struggled at the beginning but overcame and sussesfully made it through. He has been clean for almost two years and is now working and supporting himself. We are so thankful for this program. They help you find your freedom from addiction by giving it over to the One who can truely help. I give thanks to the Ministry and to God for helping our son and in turn helping our family.
Freedom Farm ministries has hepled me change my life and in the process I have grown so much closer to God and saved my life , God has restored relationships that I have destroyed , and the brotherhood is like no other ,the staff are all great people .
Great experience. Freedom Farm's mission is to restore men that are broken by addiction and it works. Freedom Farm is not Passages Malibu. There are no fancy accommodations but I always had everything I needed. This is a Christian program, ran by Christian men who are motivated, capable and truly want to help other men break free from addiction.
TAG: RE: FREEDOM FARM MINISTRIES, BOONE, NC R COLLIE
What - " rockin General Member of the Public, 04/20/2012" says is TRUE, at least it was for me. No doubt a good audit would raise a lot of questions. I know the food stamp stuff is true; R will bring u forms, hard to say no.
BUT God uses consequences and works through personal trials, and through it all Jesus loved me. The five star rating goes because Freeedom Farm was where Jesus wanted me to be in spite of the acts of the men around me. I built my cross on the hill. I sat on that hill and through the trees watched R*ie throw a man out, money flow runs out and you are gone. That didn't change the fact that Jesus was pursuing me. R*a is a gold mine of wisdom, and can't see her flaws, but you can tell she loves the Lord, that He is pursuing them too. #Jailbreak Vertical Church Band WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO
FreedomFarm 10/18/2017
Thank you for your review. I'm glad you could see what Jesus was doing in your life. Please see our response to rockin. The Collies are no longer associated with Freedom Farm Ministries.
Most unorganized horrible place. They let guys with as little as three months clean be in charge. I agree Jim is all about the money and could care less about these men.
FreedomFarm 10/18/2017
Thank you for leaving a review. I wish your experience had been better. Please let me explain why we "let guys with 3 months clean be in charge". Once men complete the second phase of our program, they are required to get jobs in the community. There are a handful of jobs within the ministry that can be filled by these men. When we have an opening and a particular man has shown an interest in serving the ministry and shown us he can be a good influence on other men, we consider hiring him. Two of the positions these men could be placed in are the onsite staff members at the Safe House and Restoration House. These men do not lead curriculum or provide counseling, however. They simply make sure all the men get up on time, take men where they're supposed to be and monitor the safety and well being of everyone in the house. These men are always closely supervised and in close contact with permanent staff members.
This is not a rehab, only bible study with free labor. There is no drug consulting other then "praying". Living conditions is a double wide with 4 men to a room sleeping on children's bunkbeds. They do make you give them you SSN to they can apply you for food stamps. That's when I left. Why was I paying 600 a month to live in a double wide on food stamps? Personaly I believe some stealing is happening with the owner Jim.
FreedomFarm 10/18/2017
While we would love to be able to provide amazing accommodations for our residents, unfortunately, it's just not possible currently. In our first phase - the Safe House - men do stay in a renovated double wide home. And there are up to 16 people at a time there with up to 4 to a room just like you said; but most of the time, we have 8 - 12 men there. It's often not at full capacity. In our second phase, Restoration, men are housed in a cabin with 6 or 7 other men for the entire 40 day program. And in the final phase, the Discipleship Living Center, men live together in either homes or mobile homes that house between 5 and 9 each. Your comment about us using food stamps to feed men in the Safe House and Restoration seems to imply there is something shady or dishonest about the practice. Since no one in the house is employed and they live together and eat together, they are entitled to file for food stamps. Otherwise, the state of NC and the USDA wouldn't allow it.
Becuase of God's work at Freedom Farms my life has been restored. I was facing a long prison sentence and had lost everything. I was at the end of the road in my life and ready to give up and end it all. Praise God the Lord helped me find Freedom Farms. This ministry helped me find Christ and helped me put my life back together.
Freedom Farm has forever changed my Life. The directors, Robbie and Rita Collie, have a true heart for this ministry and the men in it! Thier love, kindness and generousity amazed me. They were God's vessel in my live that has forever changed me. If not for God and the work He did through this ministry I know without a shadow of a doubt I would be dead. I am forever grateful to Robbie Collie and this ministry.
Freedom Farm is a great place for men fighting addiction. This Christian based program has helped me through my troubles. God is in every aspect of this program and Robbie and Rita Collie is some of the most humble and generous people you will ever come across. I would recommend this program to anyone that is struggling with addiction. This program has helped me realize the true important things in my life!!!!!!
Freedom Farm Ministries is an excellent opportunity for Men struggling with addiction. Robbie Collie and Rita Collie are the most loving and understanding people I have met in my life, and will do anything for you. God is working miracles here at Freedom Farms all the time! This is an excellent program !