SALT LAKE CITY -- The future of Red Barn Farms, a non-profit academy dedicated to helping men in need of a fresh start, is in doubt.

Last week, state officials learned of the organization's sudden decision to close, leaving many wondering what will happen to the 80 men who were participating in its programs. The Department of Commerce is now taking steps to ensure the well-being of the academy's participants.

Red Barn Academy is a multi-year life-skills academy in a farm setting for men who have struggled with addiction, criminal behavior, and homelessness, according to its website. The facility is located in Farmington at 1200 West Red Barn Lane.

For a former graduate of Red Barn Farms, Adam Plummer, the experience was life-saving.

"Red Barn not only changed the way I operate my life, it saved my life," he said.

After a five-year struggle with addiction, Plummer said it was the place he found himself again.

"It's a place where magic happens. We watch miracles happen every day," he said. "It's a place that gives men their life back."

But on Thursday, the department's Division of Consumer Protection said it is aware of Red Barn Farms' intent to close its doors, and emphasized the need for a transition plan.

According to the statement, "On February 12, 2025, the division issued a Cease and Desist Order to ensure Red Barn Farm and Red Barn Academy honor their commitments to the 80 program participants and that they receive the services guaranteed to them under Utah Code 13-53-109 in the unfortunate event of program closure."

In an email, Red Barn Farms declined to answer KSL TV's questions, saying it did not have a comment at the time.

However, information in the cease and desist order revealed that Red Barn failed to provide the division with written notice of its intent to close, when state law requires at least a 30-day notice, as well as a plan to provide food and shelter for the men in the program.

The division said it received "credible information that Red Barn planned to shut down the program in two weeks," and on the same day, it moved to file the emergency cease and desist order.

"In the event of a sudden closure, without a plan in place for the continuing provision of food and shelter, these participants could be left homeless and without sustenance. Many participants may violate the terms of their probation by no fault of their own," division officials wrote in the emergency order.

According to the court filing, participants provide farm labor and, in turn, receive free housing and food as well as vocational training, education, leadership training, and continuing care among other services.

The division could not comment on whether an investigation is underway but said it will "continue to monitor this dynamic situation."

Similarly, the Utah Attorney General's Office said it could not confirm or deny the existence of investigations but confirmed its awareness of the "unfortunate situation."

"We are aware that Red Barn Academy intends to close its doors in March. This is an unfortunate situation and we are actively notifying the law enforcement community and the courts to ensure the people who were receiving services are given the care they need," a spokesperson for the attorney general's office said.

The unexpected closure announcement has been devastating for many, including Plummer.

"There's 60 to 80 men in there that are trying to save their life," he said. "What's happening at Red Barn doesn't seem right."