Mills River, N.C. Celebrates New Home for Veterans Healing Farm

Mills River, N.C. Welcomes Veterans Healing Farm to Its New Home

In an exciting turn of events for the veterans community, the Veterans Healing Farm has officially found its new home in Mills River, North Carolina! After nearly a year of searching, this local nonprofit is ready to embark on a new chapter in its mission to provide healing and support to those who have served our country. The move comes following the non-renewal of their lease at the previous location in Hendersonville, leaving staff members grateful and somewhat stunned at this new opportunity.

A Long Journey to New Beginnings

Alan Yeck, who has served as the executive director of Veterans Healing Farm since 2021, reflects on the extensive journey that brought them to this moment. “It’s been a long nine months of searching,” Yeck shared. “Since January, we’ve looked at over 35 properties, all while continuing to run our normal workshops, events, agritherapies, fundraising, packing up, and shutting down.” This profound commitment to their work is truly commendable.

As Yeck walked the new property for the first time, he experienced an immediate sense of tranquility. “I could feel the peace settling into my soul…after my first visit, I said, ‘we’re home,’” he recounted with genuine emotion. With 11.66 acres of potential, the new site at 138 Kimzey Road provides more space than their previous 9-acre location, which is a significant upgrade for the farm.

The Mission Remains Strong

The Veterans Healing Farm specializes in agricultural therapy to assist veterans, and their services extend well beyond just gardening. They offer a range of workshops including art, canning, and education about medicinal plants. Most importantly, they provide crucial support resources like equine therapy, canine therapy, and neurofeedback therapy aimed at helping veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war.

The acquisition of this new land was made possible with the help of a local real estate company, who facilitated the purchase for $750,000. Matthew Rice, an agent from Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realtors, expressed his excitement about being part of this meaningful transaction. “It has been an incredible honor to represent Veterans Healing Farm in this purchase,” he stated, echoing the sentiments of many who appreciate the invaluable services that the farm provides.

A Place of Comfort and Healing

The previous property, owned by Carolyn Mashie, was not only a physical location but a sanctuary for veterans. Originally leased by her son, John, who founded the farm in 2013, it held great significance for many in the community. However, as Mashie approached retirement, she informed Yeck that the lease would not be renewed, leaving the team scrambling to find a new location.

Despite the uncertainty, Yeck took to the Veterans Healing Farm’s social media to announce their new property with the simple yet profound message: “We’re home.” This new site will not only allow the farm to continue their year-round workshops and community events but also enable them to expand their reach and resources far beyond their original offerings.

Looking Ahead

While the team is thrilled about the new space, they still have work to do. With the loan officially signed, Yeck shared hopes of being fully operational by January. Fundraising efforts continue, as they aim to pay off the loan, acquire furniture, and fund essential programming. “We are still fundraising to pay it off,” he mentioned. “Angel investors who would be interested in investing in veterans can contact me at director@veteranshealingfarm.org. It will be the highest return-on-investment they will ever have.”

The transition to their new home in Mills River marks a hopeful and exciting chapter for the Veterans Healing Farm and the veterans they serve. As they prepare for this new beginning, the community is cheering them on, looking forward to seeing the beautiful things they will accomplish in this tranquil setting.