California Program Teaches Sustainable Agriculture to Support At-Risk Youth

Gary Hall, co-founder of Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, joined the program to discuss using agriculture to provide opportunities and mentorship for at-risk youth in Southern California.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (RFD-TV) — A vocational training center in Southern California is helping at-risk youth discover new opportunities through agriculture. Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation, founded in 2009 as a faith-based jail ministry, now incorporates farming into its outreach efforts — offering hands-on education, mentorship, and opportunities for young people to connect with nature.

Co-founder Gary Hall joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to share how the organization transitioned into agricultural training and why the shift has been so impactful. In his interview with RFD-TV News, Hall discussed how the program introduced farming as a way to give youth practical skills, structure, and a new sense of purpose. He also explained how students respond to working with the land and learning about sustainable agriculture, noting the confidence and pride many develop through the experience.

Hall also highlighted the emotional and physical benefits of time spent outdoors, saying that nature and agriculture provide a healthy environment for growth, reflection, and community building. He shared several success stories from the program — including young people who have gone on to pursue jobs, further training, or leadership roles because of their time at Hollywood Impact Studios Rehabilitation. Looking ahead, he outlined the organization’s plans to expand agricultural training and how viewers can learn more or get involved in supporting its mission.

Related Stories
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
We highlight an Iowa FFA student who is harnessing the power of AI technology to assess stress in agriculture-related careers.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
The National FFA Organization hosts the Washington Leadership Conference, where thousands of FFA members gather to learn how to be change makers in their communities.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust shares how their Farm to School initiative helps strengthen the connection between local farms and school food programs.
FFA students in New York City are transforming urban spaces into working farms while gaining hands-on skills that connect city life with the roots of agriculture.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
“USDA can no longer keep wasting its time and personnel to deploy Commissioner Miller’s infamous traps, which USDA has deployed, tested, and has proven ineffective.”

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.