MELROSE — Russ Miller had a plan of action when he founded Rotarians for the Development of Youth six years ago.

The nonprofit dedicated to producing well-rounded young people through agricultural-based foster homes and community service was the first step in pushing his dear friend Milton Starnes' vision into full throttle. As a local guardian ad litem volunteer, Starnes had seen the ins and outs of the foster care system — the uncertainty and challenges that families and children face every day.

And he wanted to change that.

While Starnes passed away in 2024, before he could see his dream come to life, Miller was there to help break ground on something they had started together. He watched intently as the dirt was lifted and the plans were immediately put into action.

Miller passed away in July. A mere eight months after Echo Lake Farms became a reality. Nancy Keating, a member of the Board of Directors, said it has become the group's mission to make sure both their legacies continue.

"We're going to fulfill their dream. We promised Russ, and we promised Milton that this is what this board is going to do," Keating said. "And we're going to work hard."

At Echo Lake Farms more than 220 acres of farmland in Clay and Putnam counties will host mini farms for foster parents and children to live on. Within each mini farm, foster couples will live with children adjudicated by the court. The 5-acre plots will include 2,500-square feet of living space, animals and hands-on farming opportunities.

"We want to be able to use it as a multipurpose [space] because we're not going to have 14 herds of cattle. They might have three rabbits, or a couple of chickens," Keating said.

The idea first came to be with Starnes eight years ago. He and his wife, Judy, were looking to use their land to give back.

While in the guardian ad litem office, Milton ran into Miller, a 26-year Rotarian, past district governor and member of the Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs. It was just the person he needed to see. 

While Miller didn't know precisely how to carry out Milton's vision, he spent the next few years trying to find nonprofits that would get on board. With no luck, RDY was formed.

Keating, who has been a Rotarian for 35 years and founded Challenge Enterprises 52 years ago, said Echo Lake Farms will be scattered with hope and joy, bringing necessary tools to expose foster youth to agriculture and the local community.

The structure just off County Road 219 is settled and the windows have been placed. And with the main house close to completion by early next year, Keating said the group is already plotting the next few.

Read the full story at claytodayonline.com.