Suterra's Wonderful Giving Spotlight - November
Suterra
Nov 11, 2024 10:07:36 AM
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Considering the most recent celebration of Veterans Day, this month’s Wonderful Giving highlight features The Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. A small but mighty non-profit, the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch seeks to transform the lives of veterans that are suffering from the wounds of war- whether that be physical or psychological. The ranch, founded by trauma therapist Alison Perry, “helps veterans develop their inner strength and find purpose by providing camaraderie and access to nature on [a] working ranch.”
Returning from war for many veterans can be an emotionally challenging, financially
cumbersome, and overall difficult adjustment - one that notoriously can lack the right support and resources. The mission at Central Oregon Veteran’s Ranch is to challenge the way we care for our veterans when they return from service. Their innovative, strengths-based approach focuses on healing through an environment where nothing is forced – Veterans can focus on building new relationships, skills, and finding comfort. This model provides a necessary and more holistic alternative to inpatient treatment or medical centers.
COVR (an acronym used intentionally to denote the concept of “take cover” and “cover me”) believes in paving a way to healing by interacting with people who have endured similar experiences. Creating an environment where individuals can talk about their trauma can help pave the way for future growth. The ranch offers 19 acres of rich opportunities to reconnect with the environment. These 19 acres are home to a wide variety of animals including llamas, sheep, and chicken. Tasks include
working in the greenhouse where veterans can learn how to implement hydroponic techniques, as well as training in farming and ranching practices. Central Oregon Veterans Ranch also offers a beekeeping program on how to care for bees through the Central Oregon Beekeepers Association.
Veterans are also encouraged to make use of the Victory Garden, a community garden available for cultivation for individuals and their families. Suterra employees are proud to have donated $9,300 since 2019 to Central Oregon Veterans Ranch and will continue supporting our veterans and their path to recovery in the years to come.