Haunted maze raises funds for survivors, draws thousands to Farmington

A sprawling haunted maze built by local recovery community members and volunteers brought crowds to New Beginnings in Farmington on November 13, generating $12,100 to support the campus that shelters survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Organizers said the event drew more than 7,500 visitors, with free admission for children and an eight dollar charge for adults, and no charge for those unable to pay.

“The Pearsons, owners of Rocky Mountain Recovery, Oxford House, a local sober living community home, and member of the local Narcotics Anonymous Group spent over a month of donated time, footing the cost of building a haunted house in the New Beginnings garden area,” the press release stated. Jerry and Stacey Pearson led the effort with employee Stephon Haywood and dozens of volunteers from nearby recovery houses and support groups.

Organizers hoped the funds would help cover a replacement vehicle for the campus. Melissa Tarazon, chief executive officer of New Beginnings, said the donation would go toward purchasing a van and that the group was optimistic the event would cover about half the cost. “Home Depot heard what was happening and donated some animatronics for the event as well,” Tarazon said. She also emphasized the volunteer nature of the effort. “I think it's important to note too, that … everybody was on a volunteer basis,” Tarazon said, adding that volunteers came from Oxford House in Farmington.

Haywood designed and built the maze inside four 20 by 40 tents, directing scenes that included scarecrows, witches and staged caskets. “There were everything from jumping scarecrows and jumping witches to actual caskets being brought in,” he said. “There were people popping out of them.” Part of the attraction included preserved animal specimens supplied by a former embalmer to create visceral displays. “We had wet specimens, so like, the kids and the people could look into some of the rooms and there'd be, like, different hearts and stuff like that,” Haywood said.

Volunteers said the project also served as a recovery and community building exercise. Stacey Pearson estimated construction required “about 120 hours minimum,” and noted support from nearby sober living homes and a traveling AA group. “We had way more than enough people to do that,” he said.

New Beginnings is one of four transitional living programs in the state and the only program offering on campus, long term, rent free housing for survivors. The campus provides specialized services including the state’s only trauma and emotionally focused daycare. Program use has grown each year, from 4,404 bed nights in 2022 to 5,016 in 2023 and more than 7,100 in 2024. More than 35 percent of children living on campus with a parent have experienced sexual abuse, and the agency serves sex trafficking survivors from across the country.

The fundraiser illustrates both local generosity and persistent gaps in survivor services, including transportation and long term funding for residential care. Organizers and advocates say continued community partnerships and sustained public investment will be essential to meet rising demand and to ensure survivors have stable access to housing, healing and childcare. “Help is here with hope and a home,” reads the message at navajoumc.org.