Dare to Dream Ranch is a military retreat that offers complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) programs for service members, veterans and their families to overcome the challenges of war such as PTSD, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
As of September 2014, there are about 2.7 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (compared to 2.6 million Vietnam veterans who fought in Vietnam; there are 8.2 million "Vietnam Era Veterans" (personnel who served anywhere during any time of the Vietnam War). According to RAND, at least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD and/or Depression. (Military counselors I have interviewed state that, in their opinion, the percentage of veterans with PTSD is much higher; the number climbs higher when combined with TBI.)
Although flawless counts are impossible to come by – the transient nature of homeless populations presents a major difficulty – the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 49,933 veterans are homeless on any given night.
Approximately 12,700 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) were homeless in 2010. The number of young homeless veterans is increasing, but only constitutes 8.8% of the overall homeless veteran population.
As of 2015 Rhode Island has 71,429 veterans. The RI National Guard has the second highest deployment rate since 9/11. They mostly provide security forces and expertise in civil engineering.
Disability rates -1 out 3 from Iraq war suffer from PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury due to multiple deployments.
1/3 homeless in America are veterans
Veteran unemployment is nearly twice the national unemployment average.
The VA reported in 2012 from 21 states that 22 veterans a day commit suicide.
In addition to the complex set of factors influencing all homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care – a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Additionally, military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment.
Dare To Dream Ranch is a 501c3 veteran non profit that offers alternative therapy programs for service members, veterans and their families that are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, military sexual trauma, and mild traumatic brain injury.
Equine Facilitated Coaching…
Equine facilitated coaching utilizes the horse's responsive nature as a therapy tool. They are naturally curious, have individual personalities, and mirror human behavior The structure of EFC provides a unique atmosphere for the client to work through personal challenges. EFC provides clients with in~the-moment experiences to learn how to manage current situations and future challenges with a focus on personal strengths and resources.
Yoga…Body-based work, such as yoga, increases a sense of awareness, safety and mastery over one's body while building skills to effectively interpret and tolerate physiological and affective states.
Fly Tying/Fishing… “something you could go through and for a couple hours and you can forget what you've been going through and just refocus your energy”
Woodworking… meant to help put a veteran in touch with that creative side of themselves. Learn useful skills such as tool usage, critical thinking, planning, and patience and perseverance
Horticulture Therapy… Learn to grow your food organically, and reduce stress and anxiety. Go beyond sustainability to integrate and connect people with their natural world.
Beekeeping…helps provide focus, relaxation, be in the moment, and gives a sense of purpose.
Recreational Exercise…Builds strength, confidence and improves your mood.
Agri-therapy... the benefits of agri-therapy include increased focus, confidence, community-building, nutrition and environmental awareness, and sense of achievement. Caring for animals and plants reduces stress and anxiety and generates a sense of pride and well being.
