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Hi, my name is Merrill McCollum, and I’m asking for help on behalf of a very dear friend and retired Navy veteran.
Sharon Benton-Goode, disabled Veteran of the US NAVY, is a ‘budding’ micro flower farmer in Suffield, Connecticut. This was to be the launch summer of her plan to create a self-sustained micro flower farm that could employ, and be a business model for, other Veterans and eventually support a wellness center for recovering Veterans with PTSD(S).
On June 29th of this year, as she prepared for her Grand Opening on July 2, what was supposed to be a summer thunderstorm evolved into a straight line wind storm that went directly through her flower field and wreaked havoc on her small 2 1⁄2 acre farmstead. Already hampered by 2 broken ribs she had sustained in a fall earlier this spring and facing an unexpected hip replacement surgery at the end of the month, Sharon was devastated - ALMOST.
Sharon is a strong, independent woman who served in the US NAVY for 20 years first as an enlisted Intelligence Specialist and then as a CWO2 (Chief Warrant Officer). As many of our Veterans find, she later struggled in subsequent professions but with the help of the VA is in recovery. Diagnosed with MST related PTSD(S) she has progressed through identification of the cause of her PTSD(S), its ramifications and presentation along with the supplemental effects it has on personality and anxiety. As she grappled with this diagnosis she felt suddenly lumped into a category of either “Victim” or “Survivor”, terms and categorizations that can evoke a feeling of failure for some, especially a Veteran. As Veterans we have been groomed to be resilient and independent, it can be difficult to reconcile these expectations with PTSD(S) related lifestyle changes.
Self recovery is not enough for Sharon. Ten years ago she began a journey to create this farm as the culmination of figuring out where she fit in, with the end result of being neither a “victim” or a “survivor”, not working for others with a disability caveat, but working for herself with independence and flexibility. It was always her intention on the purchase of her property to create a wellness center for Veterans with PTSD(S). It was truly a large part of her endeavor to also create independent job opportunities for other Veterans with PTSD(S).
She couldn’t have foreseen the unexpected obstacles that she has already endured this year. As spring arrived and spring planting was imminent, she encountered the physical debilitation of extreme osteoarthritis. What had been lurking in the background for a year or so, progressed so fast that in a month she went from mobile to needing a cane, now getting around the property on a lawn tractor/walker. At this point the “Master Plan” needed to be amended, Sharon diverted from seeking out deliveries and regular business/restaurant customers to customizing her farm for “U-Pick”, allowing her to complete her plan with minimal impact.
Financially and physically she was at the end of her resources, but Blooms were in sight and she was ready to start the Sales and Income season. Two days before Open House, a microburst wiped out most of her property. It was a compartmentalized storm that just fell out of the sky. The same storm hit Six Flags and closed it for two full days. The Theme Park is still not completely open. Other area damage includes total destruction of the barn on an adjacent property.
Summary of what happened to the property:
Sharon currently has no heat, no water, and storm damage throughout. Her insurance was cancelled (without notice) within days of the micro burst storm that devastated her property. She needs our help to get back on her feet.
- Entire specialty pumpkin and cut flower crop was compromised.
- Home owners insurance policy was unexpectedly cancelled. A replacement policy quote was obtained, but in the middle of this process the storm hit her property. Wells Fargo provided a “forced coverage policy”. However, there has been no compensation to date.
- Sharon had hip surgery, and healed, while waiting….the storm was June 29th. Sharon cannot submit for DAV disaster relief (or anything else) until Wells Fargo finalizes declining claims.
Final outcome: Sharon is trying to repair the house and sell it, but since waiting for over three months, her repair timeline and COVID relief is over. Repairs without money is an insurmountable wall. She is investigating all options for relief. Sharon is 90% disabled from PTSD and 100% unemployable for purposes of aid.
Storm Damage
- Loss of projected crop income ($5,000) and monies invested in crop development ($10,000). Proof of expenditures can be seen in Instagram posts chronicling the planting process (@goodegirlfarm)
- Damage to the property from mature trees being taken down, one of them landing branches on the roof of her house. The tree removal will be approximately $3,000.00 more, friends and family have helped remove and burn what came down completely, but there are trees half up and branches hanging in many places that she is unable to take care of herself.
- 3 windows were taken out by the storm, one in the main house and two in the garage. Smaller pains of glass were disrupted on the carriage house sliding doors (they’re antique and not sure what repair would be).
- Shingles have lifted from the roof where the trees and storm hit.
- Covering of Chimney that vented the furnace - extent of damage is still unclear, but must be fixed before the furnace can be fixed.
- Furnace does not work because of water coming in from the chimney as a result of damage from the storm.
- Gutters in various spots were blown off.
To get Sharon back on track, get heat and water running, and to make the home safe for winter, an immediate infusion of cash is needed. Our goal is $20,000. (Repair boiler, chimney, roof, windows, and remove downed trees and debris)
Sharon would never ask for help herself. She was stunned that friends, neighbors and people she didn’t know showed up to help cut down trees and begin the cleanup.
We, her friends, are asking you to help us help her get back on her feet so she might continue to help others through their own struggles with PTSD. No amount is too small… every dollar will help. Your kindness and willingness to help in even the smallest way is so very much appreciated (Many thanks to Regina for gathering and writing up the details of this endeavor).
Organizer and beneficiary
Sharon Goode
Beneficiary