Meet Your Neighbors: Franki DeSaro & April Martines

FEATURED PHOTO: Franki DeSaro & April Martines | CREDIT: Abby Devey

Franki of Middletown and April of Holmdel, describe their first meeting as “a divine alignment leading each of us towards our destinies.”

The divine and destiny are constants throughout their story and led them to cofound a sanctuary for single mothers, children, and animals, firmly based in faith and positivity. The Sanctuary is already helping families, and the vision is to expand to a residential program.

CM: What is the mission of Light to Earth Sanctuary?

Our daily mission is to lovingly awaken each person towards their God-given purpose, by supporting their inner healing journey- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Our organization also helps animals and is Christian based, although we joyfully serve single mothers, children, families, and welcome volunteers, from all faith backgrounds. All feel welcome and at peace on the land; we are family.

CM: What types of events/services are held at the Sanctuary?

Many families at our farm have endured domestic violence, addiction, poverty, homelessness, loss of a loved one and much more. Presently, we offer one day workshops on art, cooking, and fellowship, and host retreats of various kinds on the farm for single mothers and their children. This year we created an organic community garden and all of the harvest will be donated to local families. Annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at the farm are magical experiences full of so much joy, gratitude, and love. Fellowship gatherings are personally one of our favorites. Believers of all denominations join to sing, make music, and pray for one another. Afterwards we all feast, laugh, rest, and enjoy life together over a shared meal.

CM: Describe the farm, and how it became the location.

The farm is surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling hills, a true oasis of God’s creation on earth. Although we do not yet own the farm, the owner, Avram Schmied, a 72-year-old Jewish man, has lovingly allowed us to serve families here since 2018. He told us, “This is a very special piece of heaven right here on earth” and is grateful that his vision for the land’s “destiny and greatness” will continue. We are presently seeking to raise three million dollars to purchase the farm and call it our home! There is a custom built 6,500 sq. ft. three story home with apartment quarters, an 18, 000 sq. ft. barn/meeting space, two cottages, two working windmills, spring fed pond site and two fenced in pastures for horses, a shed with a root cellar, organic herb and vegetable garden, one acre poplar forest, and an underground fresh spring.

CM: What is most rewarding?

We love seeing people from all walks of life: diversity in ethnicities, faith beliefs, and experiences coming together to serve and support alongside one another. We did not realize we would also touch the lives of many of our team members and volunteers, who also have shared the varied struggles of our families. Some special memories include a young boy’s declaration that this had been the best day of his life and the other children begging their moms to stay or return soon. Some children had never seen the stars, the moon, or horses before! One mother shared she had not seen her daughter this happy in a long time. Another was hosting a fellowship gathering for women in recovery and seeing their hope. There is no greater reward than knowing and seeing love, joy and healing on the faces and hearts of those we serve.

CM: What is the biggest challenge?

Raising the funds to purchase our farm, and gathering the needed people-a grant writer, non-profit accountant, and a professional fundraiser-in order to reach the next level of our mission to create a 1-5-year residential program. Please visit our website to read our full miracle story and for ways to donate, join our team, attend our gala and more: lighttoearthsanctuary.org, or email us to schedule a farm visit or learn more here.