Our History

2012-2022

Lagom Landing was founded as a 501(c)(3) organization in September of 2011.  Born of a vision shared by founders Rock Castor (a lifelong builder) and Laurel Nelson (a pastor), a couple who both benefited from gap years in their own lives, Lagom Landing engaged young adults in a life-encompassing gap year where the work of their hands balanced the learning of their minds. The program served young adults ages 18-23 from 2012-2022. Students lived in two dormitories (now Robin’s Nest and The Burrow)  from September-May, and developed life skills.  Three days a week students worked on carpentry/woodworking projects, and two days a week they would garden, preserve food, volunteer in the community, take courses on financial literacy and  work “personal projects” (job finding, GED acquisition, learning skills in a particular field of interest). The Lagom Landing community cooked dinner together four days/week and also hosted a monthly “Speaking with Bread” gathering inviting artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and tradespeople in our area to lead a discussion about discernment.

Program graduates have gone onto work in the trades as well as to further education, and many continue to be in touch with Rock and Laurel.

2022-Present

In June of 2022, the Board voted to begin a process of transitioning from a 9-month program serving young adults to a year round program serving adults of all ages for short stays. In fall of 2023, Directors Rock and Laurel took a three month sabbatical to envision what this new program would look like. They received so much insight and joy from the process of learning to rest that they decided that rest would be the central theme of the new vision. The Board voted in March of 2022 to re-name the program “Respite and Restoration at Lagom Landing."

In order to accommodate this vision, the facilities were in need of some upgrades.  We have completed a new roof and major cosmetic renovation of Robin’s Nest as well as painting, organizing, and upgrading bedding and furniture in all the facilities.  We now look forward to welcoming those who recognize the need for stepping away from the “always on” mentality of modern life. The central philosophies of Lagom Landing still apply in this new vision—that our minds are freed up when our bodies are engaged.