2025 was a year of tremendous growth for Good People Fund grantee Ruca’s Farm, founded by Nir Lahav, to offer support and healing to people suffering from PTSD. The farm doubled its participant numbers, welcoming more than 180 individuals through core programs like Arugot (rehabilitation for long-term PTSD) and Shavim (early intervention for October 7 soldiers struggling to return to routine life after hundreds of days in reserves). Two new programs launched this year: Marva, supporting women whose partners cope with PTSD, and Advot, group therapy for couples dealing with early signs of post-trauma. To maintain connection with alumni, the farm developed on-site workshops including baking, handmade pasta-making, beekeeping, ice baths, photography, vegetable pickling, and writing/songwriting with a member of the band Hadag Nahash, along with monthly lectures and community events. The therapeutic staff expanded significantly, and in December, 250 people gathered to celebrate the farm’s third anniversary, a testament to how this place has become home for so many.

Beyond therapeutic programming, Ruca’s Farm strengthened its agricultural foundation and volunteer community in 2025. With support from expert agronomists the farm significantly improved agricultural planning, beautifying the grounds and cultivating thriving organic vegetables now distributed to Tel Aviv employees, sold direct-to-home, and marketed to restaurants and health-food stores. Bee Hill underwent a major transformation with new pergolas, pathways, a small pond, and plantings, creating a peaceful sanctuary where expanded beekeeping programs now include rehabilitation courses for participants. The volunteer base grew to over 100 regular weekly volunteers, plus more than 1,200 corporate volunteers from 50+ high-tech groups, and international delegations from Birthright and Jewish Federations. Seven enthusiastic shin-shinim (national service volunteers) joined in September, supporting agricultural work, assisting participants in the field, organizing events, and conducting outreach with at-risk youth in neighboring Or Yehuda. Looking ahead to 2026, the farm plans to open a women-only PTSD group, construct a creative arts center, install a traditional Middle Eastern bustan garden, develop the Ayalon Creek gathering space, and add solar panels that will generate both power and income.