Common Ground Farm & Retreat

Recent guests having a romantic getaway in the Cottage on the Hill

The following post was written by Autumn Burris, facilitator and participant at the recent VAST retreat for human trafficking survivors here at Common Ground. She is the founder and CEO of "Survivors for Solutions". These are her musings about the retreat experience. "Upon entering the property, one can instantly feel the peace and rustic ambiance. I felt a deep sense this VAST survivor retreat on this September weekend would be life changing. When being greeted warmly by ...our hosts, Lindy and Mike Sheridan, my senses were affirmed. The short walk to the Fireside Cottage and then entering the small, tasteful and welcoming quarters, my breath was taken away with feelings of gratitude and joy. There are many quarters on the property yet this one is a writer’s dream. ...Under the leadership of an amazing volunteer, we made essential oil bracelets together while getting to know each other. Dinner was being prepared and I tell you food tastes better in this place-always delicious. The farm follows sustainable farming and gardening practices, which are critical in these times of environmental concerns. Each moment that passed, I was more and more delighted and impressed by Common Ground. The perfect balance of rustic and tastefulness/classy/bougie really exists on this property. The deep sleep I experienced coupled with interesting dreams was yet another perk to this extraordinary place - Common Ground in Kempton, Pennsylvania. The mission of VAST is, through collaboration, education, and advocacy, to empower survivors and encourage the community to take action in the anti-trafficking movement. The annual survivor retreat is a culmination of the VAST mission. Volunteers supplied delicious meals, conducted workshops, and our gracious hosts nourished us with breakfast every morning. The women participating in the retreat were empowered to be their authentic selves. In leaving Common Ground, we put our hearts out with words and our hands together in solidarity. As we drove from the property, my heart was full, my emotions mixed as it’s a place on earth that you don’t want to leave. I console myself by saying, I will be back another time. It is truly my favorite place on the planet." About her own organization and mission, Autumn says Sitting in a circle with formerly prostituted/trafficked women, is an honor. One in which I learn from them - their needs, hopes and dreams. My mission is to remain open to learning from and prioritizing exploited women, exited or not, as my one and only constituent, centering my work from my mind and heart - for survivors and completely about them. It is not about me. ~Autumn Burris, Founding CEO, Survivors for Solutions.

We're excited to launch our new website for Common Ground Farm & Retreat. A shout out and huge thank you to Lauren Pupillo for all her help in making this happen. I could not have done it without her. And another shout out to all the photographers that have donated their amazing artwork to us over the years. I'm sure I'll forget someone in this list, so forgive me in advance, and be sure to let me know if I forgot you, so I can rectify that. For now, thanks to Joel Seidel Pho...tography, Lloyd Lutz Photography, Lauren Pupillo Photography, Lynee Lehe Photography, Gabriella Faith Photography, Kate Saurman Photography and Jane Shellhamer. It's the same web address, but a totally new website. Take your time to explore all that is happening at Common Ground, and enjoy the beautiful scenery! You can find us at... www.commongroundretreat.com www.commongroundretreat.org www.commongroundretreat.net

Love is in the air! And in the barn, and in the pasture, and on the hilltop, and by the ponds... We are excited to have hosted our first of many "Intimate Weddings" at Common Ground Farm & Retreat. McKenna Moore - one of the members of the Common Ground family (resident sheep farmer who graduated from DelVal and Rodale) - married her sweetheart, Jonah Eckhart in our Barn. It's been a few years in the making - ever since our son, Mitchell got married on the hilltop at Common G...Continue reading

The dinner table has always been central to our work here at Common Ground. In these difficult times of social isolation we miss the gatherings around that table, with the laughter, stories, connections and, of course, the delicious food. However, we're excited that the table can still be used in our mission to help people going through difficult life transitions. Due to Covid-19, we are all going through a difficult life transition, but our healthcare workers more than mos...t. They need and deserve our thanks and our prayers. They also need masks - lots of masks. Thanks to Lindy's sewing talent and her resourcefulness, as well as a host of other talented seamstresses, our table has served in the production of hundreds of washable/reusable face masks. Over 300 masks have been delivered to hospitals, clinics, group homes and individuals, and the assembly line keeps cranking them out. A special shout to the local coalition of sewers, including Julie, Connie, Mary, Kim, Roe, Hannah and Bob for their time, talent and concern for their neighbor.