Sometimes a sense of accomplishment can go a long way in a person’s life.

That is part of the idea behind the Lawrence County Adult Probation Agency’s work farms.

When defendants are placed on community control sanctions and ordered to perform community service, the work farms are where many of those people serve out that time.

Plowing and preparing the land, planting seeds, watering, weeding and picking the crops all falls under the responsibility of the probationers while supervised by the APA.

It may not seem like rehabilitation to some, but many of the people who end up on the wrong side of law are people who have not kept a structured life or followed anything worthwhile through to its end.

Giving these probationers a set time in which to work and allowing them to see the fruits — and vegetables — of their labor can go a long way in showing them they can lead a productive life away from crime.

Not only that, the crops produced at the farms go to the county jail and juvenile detention center to offset the cost of meals for the inmates. Excess food also goes to the Ironton City Welfare Mission and Chesapeake Community Center providing much-needed support to programs that run mainly on donations.

The work farm program is a worthwhile experience for probationers looking to get their lives back on the right track and a win-win for Lawrence County as a whole.