The suicide rate among our returning veterans is some of the highest this country has ever seen. To address this problem, we have developed a blueberry farm as a place of sanctuary. 

According to 2009 military casualty reports, there have been 4,924 soldiers killed and 33,856 seriously wounded. Of those wounded, over 20% have suffered from serious brain or spinal cord injuries. A reported 30% are returning with diagnoses of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Families of returning soldiers have shown staggering increases in domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, depression, substance abuse, unemployment, and homelessness. These factors have led to the disintegration of many military families. Currently, there is little opportunity for support for military families and their successful reintegration into civilian society.

 

In large cities, such as Jacksonville, Fl, the VA clinics are overwhelmed and veterans are sometimes required to wait 2-3 months or longer to see psychiatrist, psychologist, speech and occupational therapist. A lot of veterans tend to fall through the system and never get seen. This can result in higher suicide rates, unemployment and homelessness.

The Veterans Farm will be a place that veterans can work and enjoy being in the outdoors. The farm will provide a place to find a spiritual connection and to socialize with others.

This type of work will provide the much needed horticulture therapy. Based on sound research evidence, horticulture therapy has been proven to help with cognitive issues by helping veterans learn new skills and language, as well as improve decision making and problem solving skills. It also helps veterans with psychological development, physical improvements from working in the fresh air, moving their bodies and adapting to physical changes in a non threatening environment. Horticulture therapy can stimulate both gross and fine motor activities for those who have TBI. This would assist to retrain their muscles and brains. This would provide personal life control with cognitive and meaningful activities. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep145 

To address the unemployment problem, veterans will have a chance to "earn while they learn". They will be paid while learning how to run and operate their own farm. Once completing the program, veterans will be matched with other large farms that need skilled labor.