The PathBuilder Program, a workforce training initiative for people in recovery, is changing lives at Blanchet Farm.
An innovative workforce training program for people in recovery at Blanchet Farm is helping men find a sturdy path back into employment. On the farm in rural Oregon, hundreds of people have found healing through hands-on work that quiets negative thoughts and redirects focus toward meaningful tasks. Whether caring for animals, tending gardens, woodworking, or metalworking, this kind of physical labor, away from harmful influences, has helped many break free from addiction.
Ed Breedwell repairs a car as part of Blanchet Farm’s workforce training program for people in recovery.
But, even after gaining months of sobriety, returning to work can be difficult, especially with gaps or instability in employment history. Blanchet Farm’s PathBuilder program was created to bridge that gap. As a workforce training program for people in recovery, it helps participants set career goals, pursue training or certification programs, and receive one-on-one mentorship as they prepare for employment.
PathBuilder Workforce Training Program
Ed is one of the first residents to take part. His focus is on auto mechanic work and small engine repair. During his time at the farm, he maintains and repairs equipment like lawn mowers and rototillers, and helps prepare the welding and machine shops. He is also beginning to pass along what he’s learned by helping others use tools safely and with confidence.
“When I’m working on an engine, I forget everything else,” Ed shared. “It’s a mindful activity for me, I have to be really focused when working on a car.”
Through this work, Ed earns income and builds a verifiable employment history. He’s currently enrolled in an online course in small-engine repair. then applied what he learned to repairing a community member’s car. From diagnosing the issue to estimating the cost and completing the repair, he managed each step of the process.
“He is pretty jazzed. He said the car is purring,” said Blanchet Farm Case Manager Maggie Cornish. “It has been great to watch Ed feel comfortable working on the vehicle.”
Having meaningful work to focus on is essential to building a stable life. Many residents are following a routine for the first time after years of addiction and unemployment. Hands-on work offers a steady rhythm, something real to engage with, and the satisfaction of seeing progress.
Future Employment Plans
Ed hopes to launch a mobile engine repair business in Yamhill County. Through this workforce training program for people in recovery, staff support him not only in strengthening his technical abilities but also in navigating the legal and marketing steps needed to bring that vision to life.
“Ed wants to gain certification in vehicle engines before advertising his services to the public,” Cornish said.
Participants also take on leadership roles within the farm community, guiding and mentoring their peers. These experiences go beyond building résumés. They help restore self-trust, strengthen accountability, and reinforce the belief that change is possible.
PathBuilder’s classes, training, and employment opportunities are made possible by private donors who believe in second chances for people working to overcome addiction.
For Ed, the future could include a set of tools, a reliable vehicle, and a mobile business serving his community. For others, the journey will look different. One resident is pursuing woodworking, with a focus on cabinetry. But the goal remains the same: a chance to build something lasting.
Long-term sobriety requires more than abstinence. It calls for building a new life grounded in purpose, direction, and the belief that a different future is within reach.
