Empowering Veterans With Sustainable Farming
Field Partner: Veterans Farm
Nonprofit Partner: Work Vessels for Veterans
Project Region: Jacksonville, Florida
Did You Know?
Returning home from war is no easy task. Depression, unemployment, homelessness and suicide have come to define the plight of the modern day Veteran. With over one million veterans set to return in the next five years, something needs to be done. A handout is insufficient, but a sustainable way to help these men and women get their lives on track.
Across the country, organizations are helping veterans transition from combat to career by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.
The Partners
Work Vessels for Veterans is a small, volunteer-lead 501(c)(3) making a very big impact in the veteran community. While criticism surrounds some of the largest US veteran organizations, Work Vessels for Vets sets themselves apart by investing 96% of revenue in Direct-to-Veterans services.
Since 2008, Work Vessels for Veterans has equipped over 1,200 veterans in 48 states with over $1.2 million of in-kind donations of boats, trucks, tractors, laptops, tools and any other “vessels” needed in order to succeed.
Veterans Farm is a 19-acre handicap-accesible farm in Jacksonville, Florida that provides returning post-9/11 veterans hope, healing, and opportunity at a new civilian life through training in sustainable farming.
Adam Burke, the Founder/CEO of Veterans Farm, is a Purple Heart recipient and, in 2012, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Citizens Medal for his work on the farm.
The Project
The Veterans Farm Agriculture Therapy and Farmer Training Program rehabilitates wounded post-9/11 Veterans with physical or cognitive disabilities and teaches them how to create their own farming business.
Veterans Farm provides veterans transitioning from combat to career training and support in the areas of agricultural entrepreneurship, permaculture, and horticulture therapy.
Your donation sponsors post-9/11 veterans attending the Veterans Farm Agriculture Therapy and Farm Training Program in Jacksonville, Florida.
Solutions
- Horticulture Therapy
- Farm Entrepreneurship Training
- Tackling USA Farmer Shortage
