A Veterans Ranch in Caroline is doing some unique work of helping former military and first responders.
Allan Reid, Founder and President of the Veterans Ranch in Caroline said, “The purpose of the ranch is getting to know the attendees and find out what their issues are, get them therapy if they need therapy, if it’s financial we can arrange to get their bills paid or caught up,” he explained. “If its housing, we can find them a place to live, pay for their damage deposit. But mainly it’s to get them on the path of self-sufficiency.”
Reid estimates about 200 people have come through the ranch, with 90 per cent of them suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with some being worse than others. Reid says, once they get to know the attendee better and what they may be suffering from, then they can find the proper resources to help them.
Reid notes that after people leave the ranch, he notices they come out of their shell. He says the stigma of PTSD is horrendous, and a lot of the veterans hide the fact they have it, so when they come to the ranch, it’s like a brick has been lifted off their shoulders and they can be themselves once again.
“The biggest hurdle is getting them to the ranch because it is so remote. It’s not about us or them, its everybody working together to save a soul” said Reid.
“Our ranch is all about the people who have the same focus and want to give back. We’ve never had to pay somebody to do this, the people who help out is almost like a calling and there is never a shortage of volunteers,” expressed Reid.
Reid says it feels really good when a veteran no longer needs their services.
“Whether or not they need our services they are always welcomed at the ranch, any veteran or first responder,” explained Reid.
There are currently eight cabins at the ranch and Reid is hoping they will have 20 by the end of the year. Reid said the ranch will forever be expanding on their 145 acres of peaceful land.
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