FARMINGTON—Since 2014 the Red Barn Academy has been a beacon of hope for men trying to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives through a residential life-skills program. On Feb. 14, the tax-exempt public charity announced plans to sell its assets and cease operations. Red Barn Academy’s parent, R&S Foundation, will reinvest the proceeds to be commercially developed by Class A businesses.

Just off I-15 in Farmington, the Red Barn has grown significantly over the last 11 years, expanding housing and developing other interests including a moving company, thrift store and restaurant. The program is intended to help students who would otherwise be subject to incarceration learn personal accountability, hard work and community engagement. Many have learned trades such as culinary arts and welding through Davis Tech.

“First and paramount for the Academy is the wellbeing of its students,” a Red Barn Farms statement said. “The Academy is collaborating with the state to relocate students to established residential venues that will provide opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth similar to those provided by the Academy. Other facets of RBF’s comprehensive transition plan include (i) providing adequate financial resources for the transition period under Utah law; (ii) encouraging other high quality residential life-skills providers in Utah; (iii) updating major donors; and (iv) encouraging public volunteerism.”

The statement continued, “The work of the Academy has saved the state of Utah millions of dollars that would have been required to incarcerate these men who instead chose to replace the consequences of improper past behaviors with education, life skills training and career development opportunities in the structured and supportive environment of the Academy.”

“It’s my dad’s farm,” said Michael Haws, who helped start the program and left in July. “He let me play on the farm and we did good work for 10 years. I’m cheering for them. I’m hopeful they’ll find a home for the students.”

These men have huge hearts, he said. “I want them to have the resources they need. I’m heartbroken but whatever is good for Red Barn I want to happen.”

The area already has zoning for commercial use, said Farmington City Manager Brigham Mellor. “It predates the Master Plan but we’ve always planned that it would stay the way it was. We didn’t anticipate it going anywhere.”

It wasn’t about the money, he said. “It was a service to the community and they made it clear they weren't going to go anywhere.”

They can apply for changes to development, Mellor said. “It’s too new at this point to know what will happen. If they decide to demo the barn they would have to come in and get a demolition permit. They haven’t really talked to us much beyond this point.”

Mellor said he thinks the Red Barn has been providing a unique service to the community. “We haven’t studied if offices are better for the city. The only bad thing for the city is for it to sit there and become dilapidated.”

“For years, Red Barn Academy has been a place of hope and transformation while keeping the farm in Farmington,” said Dr. Jaynee Poulson, CEO of Red Barn Academy. “While this chapter is coming to a close, our mission to change lives remains unwavering.”

The true impact of Red Barn Academy will live on through the students who have overcome addiction, rebuilt their lives and reconnected with their families, she said. “Their stories will ensure that the legacy of Red Barn Farms will remain."

“I can still remember starting with two students and having to rent a Ryder Truck for our first move,” said Rich Haws, the current Chairman and a Founder of the Academy and the R&S Foundation. “I am surprised it has lasted this long. Our intention has always been to... just help make a difference.”