A one-time resident of Blanchet Farm was a pleasant surprise at the construction site of the new dormitory.
By Julie Showers
In a poignant turn of events, Aaron Conard, who once found refuge at Blanchet Farm to overcome addiction, is now among the crew building the farm’s new dormitory. Employed with TT&L Sheet Metal Inc., Aaron is leading a skilled crew fabricating and installing custom metalwork. His unexpected appearance was a pleasant surprise to Blanchet Farm manager Ross Sears.
“It was so cool to spot Aaron up here working on the building. He’s a real success story!” says Sears, who spent time with Aaron 12 years ago as residents at the farm, trying to gain sobriety in its recovery program.
While Aaron’s involvement with the new dormitory may not be a headline-grabbing story, his quiet contribution to the project resonates with staff and others working to rebuild their lives from addiction.
“Returning to Blanchet Farm, this time as a worker on the dormitory project is surreal,” says Aaron. “It feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back in this way.
Former Blanchet Farm resident, Aaron Conard, installs metalwork on the new dormitory.
New Dormitory Will Give More Men a Chance to Rebuild
The new dormitory is a critical initiative by Blanchet House to assist more men struggling with addiction in rebuilding their lives. With a total cost of $9 million, the farm is actively seeking to raise more than $2 million to complete construction, ensuring that more individuals can find support in their journey toward recovery.
Aaron’s job and sobriety exemplify the mission of Blanchet Farm and the need for construction of a bigger dormitory.
“I pulled up to Blanchet Farm on my work order and I had no idea it was the same place. I thought it must have been sold or turned into something else. It was just a flood of memories,” Aaron says. “It’s been 12 years and now here I am working on building the new dorms on the place.”
A Commitment to Recovery
Beyond the construction site, Aaron’s commitment to recovery is bolstered by the support of his family. Married for seven years, Aaron and his wife, Brittany, have two children. Aaron’s journey is about personal redemption and creating a stable and nurturing environment for his family.
“As a husband and father, being part of this project is not just a job, it’s a way to provide for my family and show them the positive changes I’ve made,” Aaron says. “Everybody goes through rough times. I’m not there anymore.”
His triumph over adversity inspires others to stay the course despite the many challenges to recovery.
“I see the potential in this new place and it’s going to be so much better,” Aaron said about the new facility. “I’m excited that more people are going to be there.”
Every contribution to the new dormitory at the farm, no matter how seemingly ordinary, is part of a larger pursuit of healing and hope.
Learn more about Blanchet Farm and the campaign to rebuild the dormitories at BlanchetHouse.org/blanchet-farm-capital-campaign.
