Nurturing through Nature

Supporting foster families by providing homes in an agricultural environment where children gain life skills, a strong work ethic, and a sense of purpose.

Echo Lake Farms is the first project for Rotarians for the Development of Youth. It's dedicated to foster children and foster parents. Join our mission to foster responsible, well rounded, and productive young people through exposure to an agricultural environment and integrated with the local community.

Our Project in Numbers

Goal to Build 10 Foster Homes 10 Years.

10

Monetary Donations Needed to Built 10 Homes.

$4.3M

Houses will be on approximately 5 acre plots.

5.2 Acres

Each mini farm will provide a home for a dedicated foster couple committed to caring for children placed through the court system.

Farm Houses

Our Mission

RDY's mission is to foster responsible, well rounded, and productive young people through exposure to an agricultural upbringing.

Long Term Goals

Our long-term goal is to build multiple foster homes on over 100 acres of donated land at the edge of Clay and Putnam Counties. These homes will provide foster families with a safe and nurturing agricultural environment where children can thrive and grow.

Get Involved

Join our growing support community. There are numerous ways to help out.

A man and a woman are posing for a picture in front of a cave

Judy & Milton Starnes

"We chose to create and serve on the RDY board because we are deeply committed to giving foster children the opportunity to grow up in a stable, nurturing environment. By providing homes in an agricultural setting, we aim to instill values of responsibility, hard work, and a sense of purpose that will help shape their future."

What's new

Why Give to a Foster Family Housing Project: Transforming Lives, One Home at a Time

December 2, 2024
Discover how providing homes for foster families in a supportive agricultural environment can transform the lives of children, offering them stability, life skills, and a brighter future.

The Power of Family: Why Raising Kids in a Family Environment Matters

November 4, 2024
Placing foster children in loving family environments provides the emotional stability, social development, and academic support they need to build a brighter future.

Growing Responsibility: How an Agricultural Setting Builds Life Skills in Foster Youth

October 3, 2024
Discover how an agricultural environment helps foster youth develop essential life skills like responsibility, perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving, preparing them for a successful future.