Restaurants, bars and some businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic this year, but there are several non-profit organizations in the area that have also been affected in various ways. One of those organizations impacted by the pandemic is Bright Life Farms, Inc. on Farmersville Road in Princeton.
Administrator Roberta Robertson told the News Edge the virus has had a good and bad impact at the farm. She said the residents have sheltered-in-place since March 11th with a few exceptions, but the pandemic has stopped all of their activities.
click to download audioRobertson added that during this time last year they had a calendar full of holiday special events in addition to the regular things the residents were doing. However, she said they don’t have anything on their calendar right now.
According to Robertson, another thing that tremendously impacted the residents at Bright Life Farms was their monthly home visits with their families, guardians, or caregivers on weekends. She said the home visits were stopped completely for three to four months, which they modified due to the effect on the residents.
click to download audioRobertson said they are working diligently to find things to make the holidays special for the residents. She complimented the staff for coming up with ideas to help, like game nights. In addition, she added social media has become a tremendous tool.
click to download audioAs far as facility changes, Robertson said they have procedures and policies in place to safeguard against COVID-19.
click to download audioBright Life Farms sits on 27 acres and includes four large homes, which gives residents a great opportunity to be outdoors while sheltering-in-place. Robertson said they have 29 residents and the other great thing and blessing at Bright Life is they are sheltered in place as a group and family as long as they keep everyone safe.
According to Robertson, they are not funded by the state or receive any government funding. She said they have received some funding from United Way of the Pennyrile, Kentucky Colonels, as well as monetary gift from Pennyrile Electric. She added they have only seen a minor drop in the farm’s finances, which operates through donations.
To make a donation or for more information, you can contact Roberta Robertson by calling (270) 388-6101 or (270) 832-0491.
