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CULTIVATING LIFE THROUGH COMMUNITY

"The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind." -Caroline Myss

Exciting News from the Veterans Healing Farm!


We’re launching a brand new pottery program! With amazing support from Asheville's Odyssey ClayWorks we are building a fully equipped pottery studio — complete with potter’s wheels and a kiln! The six-week sessions will be held once a week on Saturdays, from 10 AM to noon. More info coming soon — stay tuned! This program is made possible through funding from Creative Force®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, and the VA Community Engagement Award.

Admin Updates

We’re excited to launch our new registration system starting with the August workshops!

First Time Registering? You’ll need to create an account before signing up.

Cost: Each workshop is $1 (system processing fee).

No-Show Policy: If you do not cancel at least 72 hours before the workshop, a $20 no-show fee will apply. This policy ensures that those on the waitlist have time to adjust their plans. Thank you for helping us make workshops more accessible and efficient for everyone!

Tickets on Sale Now!

The 2025 Women Warriors' Keynote Luncheon

Saturday, September 6, 11am - 2pm at the

Blue Ridge Conference Center

Army Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster


Army Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Jaster is a soldier, an engineer, a wife and mother, and a trailblazer. One of only three women to graduate from the first integrated United States Army Ranger program—one of the most difficult combat training courses in the world—Lisa was the first female Army Reserve officer to become Ranger qualified. She completed the training, which 36 percent of male and female students fail within the first four days, after refusing to succumb to exhaustion and repeatedly “recycling” through, or retrying, several phases of the multi-locational course. Lisa endured the training, which takes a minimum of 61 days and includes up to 20 hours of training per day alongside a strict diet, for a grueling six months. She graduated at age 37, while the average trainee age is 23.


She is also the author of the book Delete the Adjective, in which, she shares captivating stories of her experiences in Ranger School while offering valuable lessons on breaking the barriers society places on you. The book is an Amazon bestseller in two categories. 


Lisa is the recipient of numerous military accolades including two Bronze Star Medals and three Meritorious Service Medals.

Sarah Scully


Sarah Scully joined the Army as a journalist because of 9/11 and served from 2003-2008. In 2016, therapists at the Asheville VA diagnosed her with PTSD from Military Sexual Trauma, which helped her heal and survive, gradually joining groups such as Veteran "Hope", Veteran "X", Brothers & Sisters Like These and Move to Heal.


When Hurricane Helene hit her hometown of Marshall, NC, she turned the camera on herself for the first time and thrived as a multimedia journalist helping to tell the story of Marshall, Madison County and the military who helped them dig out of the mud. She is now the Anchor/Reporter for WNC Mountain Reporter, a weekly news broadcast on Facebook & YouTube with the nonprofit, WNC Grassroots Media. Sarah is married to Donovan Scully, a retired Army Green Beret and they share 4 children together - Ian, JD, Jake & Arianna.

Upcoming Workshops

(pre-registration is required)

Herbs for Immune Health


Learn to strengthen your body's natural defenses with the support of plant allies. In this class, we’ll explore traditional and modern herbal approaches to immune support, from daily tonics to acute care remedies. You’ll learn how to work with herbs like echinacea, elderberry, calendula, and more—understanding when and how to use them, and how to prepare simple, effective formulas at home. Each participant will take home a few of these trusted remedies!


When: Friday, August 1, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Mushroom Foraging


Come learn and explore while we forage for mushrooms and more! A walk in the forest, what will we find? Learn what to look for to increase your odds of successfully foraging for mushrooms. Learn about the forest, its functions, and its elements. Take a naturalist walk and see what we find. What are the secrets of foraging, proper ID and care, ethics and more!


NOTE: No restrooms at trailhead so you may want to go, before you go.


When: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Where: UNCA Kellogg Center, 1181 Broyles Rd, Hendersonville, NC

Time: 9am - 1130am

Asheville Tourists


Our last game of the year so don't miss this opportunity to cheer on our home team!


Saturday, August 9. First pitch, 6pm. For tickets, please email veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com. We'll take the van so let us know if you need a lift.

Sunset Yoga for Relaxation and Nervous System Regulation


With RYT, Sam Raph—this yoga class (for all bodies, ages, and levels) combines the power of gentle, somatic movements + mindfulness techniques to help you deeply relax and regulate your nervous system. Through slow, intentional movements, breathwork, and guided awareness, you will explore how to release tension, quiet stress, and cultivate a sense of calm and balance within your body as you unwind from the day. This one hour session is designed to support your body's innate ability to calm, heal, and restore itself…creating a safe space for you to tune into your feelings and emotions. Ground in your body, tune into self-awareness, and leave feeling both centered and empowered to take on life’s greater challenges with resilience and ease! 


*Bring a mat if you have one—extras will be provided for those without.


When: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 6pm - 7pm

Fruit Liqueur Making Class


Students will learn to make liqueurs from fresh fruits and other ingredients. We will be making white peach liqueur, blackberry liqueur, coffee liqueur and Irish cream liquor. These make great gifts or keep for yourself!  



When: Friday, August 15, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 1pm

Vermicomposting


Vermicomposting, aka worm composting: simple ways to get rich, nutrient-dense worm compost for your garden! Every participant will take home their own container of these wormy wonders!


When: Saturday, August 16, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - noon

Simple & Nourishing Meal Prep:

Prioritizing your health through affordable, seasonal, and local ingredients.


Learn simple and cost-effective meal preparation to nourish your body, and support your local community—all while saving time in the kitchen and reducing food waste! Join holistic chef, Sam Raph, for a demonstrative workshop where she'll cook and guide you through making a week’s worth of meals + snacks with a focus on nourishing, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients. 


For beginner or seasoned cooks—you'll be provided with grocery lists, easy recipes, and knowledge that make healthy eating both affordable and achievable. Sam will walk you through how to plan meals around what's in season, and also provide adaptations for creating satisfying dishes that fit your lifestyle, food preferences, and budget. 

By the end of the class, you'll have had the opportunity to sample/taste all of the dishes and ask questions—leaving with newfound confidence in the kitchen, and the knowledge to continue prepping nourishing meals on your own!


When: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 11am - 1pm

Flower Pounding with Maddie


Calling all flower and craft lovers! Get ready for a fun class where we will use flowers from the VHF gardens to create unique textiles and artwork. Think beautiful natural designs using flower petals pounded into fabrics of your choice. We'll learn about proper preparations, good flower choices, and other natural dyes that you can grow in your garden. We'll take a tour of the fields, cut some of our own flowers, and then settle into the creative process of flower pounding and textile design.


When: Friday, August 22, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 1pm - 4pm

Heart of Horse Sense


Join us for a day retreat focused on mental health and healing through the unique bond between veterans and horses. Hosted by Veteran Healing Farm in collaboration with Heart of Horse Sense, this special event offers a full day dedicated to learning, wellness, and self-discovery through equine connections.


Our interactions with horses can mirror the relationships in our lives, including the critical relationship we hold with ourselves. By engaging in this retreat, veterans will have the opportunity to explore these connections deeply. Our trauma-informed approach encourages participants to observe and reflect on horse behavior, gaining valuable insights into personal challenges and strengths.


When: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 4pm. Lunch provided.

Bonsai


Journey through Bonsai, then onto basics and misconceptions about Bonsai, different styles, teach the basic bonsai principles. Each participant will leave with their own Bonsai tree!


When: Friday, August 29, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 12pm

Basketmaking


We will be creating small poplar bark baskets. These baskets have become quite popular. The finished baskets are great for berry picking or decorating your front door filled with dried flowers. We will discuss how, what, when and where to harvest poplar trees. We will also discuss other tree barks that could be used. This is a fun class!


When: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 10am - 4pm

Vets for Vets!


The wonderful doctors and staff of Pinnacle Animal Hospital will be here to provide brief health exams, heartworm tests, as well as vaccines appropriate to your dogs. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention will also be provided. All free of charge for Veterans and their best friends!


When: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Where: Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC

Time: 9am - noon

Unbroken Spirit

2025 Programs are now open!


The Veterans Healing Farm is partnering with Unbroken Spirit to empower you with training, support, and resources to unlock your full potential. Discover how their 3 Phase Transformative Program can help you become your best-self. This Veterans program is completely free.



2025 Programs are open now and space is limited. Apply Today! In-person dates are: 


  • May 20-25, 2025
  • July 21-27. 2025, Adaptive Sports 
  • Sep 16-21, 2025


Check out the videos from our Spring Wilderness Experience team and Summer Adaptive Team. The team came as strangers and left as lifelong friends. For more information or questions, please email info@unbrokenspirit.org.

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138 Kimzey Road

Mills River, NC 28759

veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com

The Veterans Healing Farm is a 501c3 nonprofit established in 2013 to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation's Veterans and their families.