SAF BLOG POSTS

Empowering Veterans and their Families through Set Apart Farms.

healing-together

Welcome to Set Apart Farms! We are a Veteran-focused organization dedicated to providing resources and support for those who have served in the military. Our goal is to bridge the gap between our Veterans’ families and their recovery, ensuring no one gets left behind. Here you will find information about our mission, programs, and services as well as inspiring stories from real people

Joining group therapy sessions with fellow Veterans a few years ago was a truly fortunate opportunity for me. Although I wasn’t participating in the same recovery program, I was invited to join for my own wellbeing. Those sessions turned out to be incredibly eye-opening, providing valuable insights on how to support Veteran families through Set Apart Farms. This experience has had a profound impact on me and has inspired me to share the knowledge I gained with others.

One significant issue that I became aware of early on was the lack of involvement from the family of our Veterans. It wasn’t because they didn’t want to be part of the program, but rather because we didn’t offer them the chance. The majority of our Veterans were married and had children. In fact, many of them were there because their spouse had reached a breaking point and desperately wanted their Veteran to heal and their marriage to be renewed. It was disheartening to see them left out and excluded from the healing process.

What I was invited to experience was known as “Family Day” at the Veterans facility – a weekly opportunity for families to connect and have dinner with their loved ones. However, this seemingly heartwarming event quickly turns sour as children cry and refuse to leave their fathers. The resentment on the wives’ faces is evident, as they are left shouldering the responsibilities of parenting alone. Meanwhile, the Veterans themselves exhibit separation anxiety, while their spouses show exhaustion and frustration. Even during the campfire group therapy session, it’s clear that the families are not fully engaged in their recovery and therapy processes. This uncomfortable and emotionally draining experience ultimately led me to decide not to attend again.

Keeping in touch with the Veterans who have gone through the program has been such a valuable experience for me. However, it saddens me to see that some of them have had to come back multiple times. This realization made me question the effectiveness of the program. But what truly broke my heart was discovering how many families were torn apart after the Veterans program ended. It became clear to me that this was the reason some individuals had to return – without the support and responsibility of a family, it was easy for them to fall back into their old destructive ways. They were now in an even more vulnerable position, as they didn’t have anyone to turn to. It’s important that we address this issue and find ways to support both the Veterans and their families during the healing process and even after the program ends.

Attention, amazing spouses of Veterans! I want to make sure you understand just how crucial you are to your loved one’s recovery. Whether they’re on a journey of mental, physical, or addictive healing, you are an invaluable part of their entire process. Together, as a tight-knit family unit, your bond is unbreakable. Husband, wife, and children, all united as one. Our families are the bedrock of our lives, and it’s high time we acknowledge the vital role you play. Let’s bridge the gap in Veteran programs and ensure no one gets left behind. You deserve all the support and recognition in the world.

Join us in our mission of building Set Apart Farms, a place where we are passionately dedicated to bridging the gap. We firmly believe that it’s time to make a change and do things the right way, guided by our unwavering commitment to faith and family values. At Set Apart Farms, we strive to create an environment where individuals and families can come together, not only to heal and grow but also to rediscover the beauty of unity and togetherness. Together, we can celebrate the sacrifices made and embark on a transformative journey towards a brighter future.

“TOGETHER THEY HAVE SACRIFICED, SO TOGETHER THEY MUST HEAL.” -Angela Hollon