In March, Flower Hill Institute made a site visit to the Joshua Training Center located in Pike County, Indiana. This visit was truly special: it was nearly the two-year anniversary of the initial outreach and connection between Flower Hill Institute and the Joshua Training Center. Amazing progress has been made, and classes are being held in the newly-constructed teaching center. The meat processing facility has been renovated and is awaiting new equipment installation before harvesting begins. Soon, the Joshua Training Center will be able to harvest goats that are raised on the farm, with a vision to also expand into poultry processing as well in the future.
More than three decades have passed since Rev. Larry Rascoe helped to start the Joshua Academy Charter School (JACS) in Evansville, Indiana. A leader with a vision, Rev. Rascoe dreamt about bringing students to a working farm to teach them about agriculture and meat processing. At last, his dream is becoming a reality! The Joshua Training Center will be used to share an agricultural experience with students in meat processing, sausage making, canning, raising poultry, gardening, fishing, cooking, and many other agricultural-related topics.
Rev. Rascoe and the JACS administration partnered with the Indiana Agriculture and Technology School (IATS) to educate local youth in agriculture and agri business. This year, 40 students enrolled in the Southern Indiana chapter of IATS. Along with their academic studies, the students participated in the ag programs that took place at the Joshua Training Center. The 250 JACS students also made regular educational field trips to the Training Center. Flower Hill Institute has been thrilled to witness first-hand the growth and development of the Joshua Training Center that has occurs, as well as envisioning the growth that is yet to come.
