MELROSE — With tears in his eyes, Rotarians for the Development of Youth (RDY) nonprofit President Larry Klaybor looked on at the stretches of land surrounding him.

They were happy tears. Ones filled with joy of knowing a small dream had become a major reality.

"Today, we realize a dream in the making. A culmination of years of challenges, the dedication to that dream has finally become a reality," he said.

Klaybor and others with the RDY broke ground on their inaugural project, Echo Lake Farms, on Friday, Dec. 12. 

It’s a place soon to be scattered with hope, joy and community. More than 220 acres of farmland in Clay and Putnam counties will soon host mini farms for foster parents and children to live on.

The mission: to encourage well-rounded young people through exposure to agriculture and the local community.

And help them find their forever family and home.

Currently, there are 99 children in licensed foster care in Clay County, while Putnam has 72. There is also a shortage of foster homes in both areas. 

"Children are often placed in other counties far away from where they grew up, where foster parents are available to take care of them," said Karin Flositz, RDY Director and CEO of Community Partnership for Children. "This collaboration is going to help children remain closer to their communities in a supportive, loving and safe environment right here at Echo Lake Farms."

Each mini farm will host a foster couple willing to accept children adjudicated by the court. They will live on about 5-acre plots with about 2,500 square feet of living space, surrounded by animals and hands-on farming. 

Each home will feature four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, and a social room.

The idea first came to be with Milton Starnes, a local guardian ad litem volunteer, eight years ago. He and his wife, Judy, were looking to use their land to the best advantage. To give back.

While in the guardian ad litem office, Milton ran into RDY Director Russ 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. 

"He said he wanted to talk to me about a vision and dream that he had," Miller said.

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

"Knowing the character of most Rotarians, I decided to start a nonprofit named Rotarians for the development of youth. See, it isn't just giving them a home, but it's helping develop their future lives to be productive citizens."

The RDY Board of Directors and local community members came together to celebrate the groundbreaking. Members of the Board of Directors include Judy Miller, Klaybor, Treasurer Marshall Fulghum, Director Jerry Hafner, Secretary Cindy Dalecki, and Directors Nancy Keating and Flositz. 

Keating has been a Rotarian for 35 years and founded Challenge Enterprises 51 years ago, a nonprofit dedicated to helping adults with disabilities.

Although Milton passed away last year, his vision lives on. And Miller is credited with fiercely leading the project to completion following his death.

Judy sold her and Milton's home and acreage, providing enough funds for the nonprofit to get the first home started.

The buyer is a foster family. The foster child's guardian ad litem- Milton. He knew it was a sign of big things 

Judy, who spoke at the groundbreaking, called it the beginning of a community. 

"These children who will become a part of the future of your town, your city, your state, they will have an opportunity to grow in a family atmosphere that will encourage positive experiences and growth," she said.

Clay Electric was also present at the groundbreaking. Their Operation Round Up program allowed them to donate $10,000 toward the project. 

The home has already received two applicants, and the keys will be officially given to one in July of next year. Plans are in place to build more houses on the land in the near future.

"We may not be here when the last home is built, but we're hoping we're starting something that will continue for years to come," Klaybor said.