Fort Villanow Project

When more people within a community feel empowered, there is a greater likelihood that individual members will feel a greater sense of connectedness. Empowerment could play an important role in bringing together veterans who might be feeling isolated. Educating and empowering veterans will hopefully improve the likelihood that they will recognize and seek help for PTSD. We are working to create a place of empowerment and much needed support for healing.

Equine Assisted Therapy has been shown in numerous studies to be beneficial to people who need to work through unfinished business. It relieves psychological distress as well as addressing a person’s physical and social problems. In E.A.T. the horse acts as a metaphor for developing personal power by overcoming large obstacles and stressful life situations. A balance must be achieved between strength and control, both with the animal and with outside life, making work with horses a unique mode of healing and development.

Animals also provide relief from stress and social support by making the person feel loved and cared for without obligations or judgments. For veterans struggling with stereotypes and stigma, animals might prove to be a non-judgmental companion.

Stigma, stereotypes and lack of resources cannot continue to be reasons for not receiving help for PTSD. At Fort Villanow, we want to open the door for more veterans in need of help.