Conversations with Eden Gustavsen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eden Gustavsen.

Hi Eden, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Eden Gustavsen, and I am the reentry assistant for Benevolence Farm, a 501c3 non-profit organization seeking to reap structural change for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in NC. My relationship with Benevolence farm started in 2018 when I was released from prison after doing a 19-month sentence. I was convicted of a drug charge while in active addiction and ultimately ended up doing my suspended sentence. While I stayed at Benevolence Farm, I was able to attain my license, get a car and a job in the community. I stayed in the community, living and working while I also stayed in contact with Benevolence and occasionally volunteered working with the residents of the farm. In 2024 I was offered a position as reentry assistant at Benevolence, and I am still here today trying to be the positive change I want to see.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am in recovery from substance use disorder and, in my opinion, recovery is rarely a smooth road. There have been ups and downs but with the support of my community and skills I have gained through experience with in/outpatient programs I have been able to build a strong foundation for my recovery.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work as a Certified Peer Support Specialist and the reentry assistant for Benevolence Farm. I love helping other women who are going through some of the same struggles that I have been through. My lived experience and passion to help empower other women help set me apart from others.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the variety of energy, diversity in our city not to mention we have some great restaurants. I also love that this city has been an area where I can reinvent myself after I moved here. The community is very welcoming, and I have met a lot of wonderful people here. We have some beautiful natural areas to hike and explore. I would love to see our area develop a larger recovery community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://benevolencefarm.org
• Instagram: @benevolencefarm
• Facebook: @benevolencefarm