Veterans Healing Farm

“We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” Dorothy Day

History and Founders:

Veterans Healing Farm was birthed out of a deep desire for community. In a society that is growing increasingly isolated and polarized it is easy to grow lonely and to truly be alone. John Mahshie, the founder and executive director of Veterans Healing Farm, joined the US Airforce right out of high-school. In the air-force he experienced a sense of belonging and purpose. He had responsibility, goals to accomplish, and brothers he could depend on. In many ways, the military is very good at fostering a strong sense of community. However, many leave this environment to return to the civilian world with no orders, no mission, and a deep sense of isolation. For this reason, John started Veterans Healing Farm, wishing to create community for himself, fellow veterans, and for others in the local community desiring a sense of belonging and purpose.

In 2010, John attended Blue Ridge Community College and received a certificate in horticulture. He went on to start his own businesses including a produce stand and a pesto company for which he grew 1,600 basil plants. As his skills in agriculture increased, he sensed it was now time to invite others to participate with him at the farm. 2013 was a soft launch for Veterans Healing Farm, and 2014 is the first official year of operation which includes 33 adult members and their children. Seven of our members are veterans, three of which received a scholarship.

John runs Veterans Helaing Farm alongside his wife, Nicole who is the Administrative Coordinator. Nicole began her role as Director in March 2013 following intensive business training through the EBV-F (Entreprenurship Bootcamp for Veterans Families). The EBV-F has been an instrumental part in the launching of Veterans Healing Farm. They have provided training, counsel, and resources beyond measure. They continute to walk along side us as we seek our official 501(c)3 non-profit status. We wouldn't be here without them!

The Member Garden:

We currently operate on privately owned land which we lease. We have thirty 50 foot raised rows of produce, a corn field, asparagus bed, orchard and hops field. We also have five hugelkultur beds planted with 1,000 strawberry plants. We are especially passionate about the hundreds of grafted-root stock heirloom tomatoes we have planted. Food in the member garden is harvested by our those in our Community Farm Membership program. Local community members pay a joining fee in early spring and harvest produce for themselves and their families from June - December. Veterans are given priority when membership slots open, and they also receive a 50% discount. Our goal is to use this garden space to promote community building between our members, and for veterans to have a space to connect with others as they transition from military to civilian life.

The Donation Garden:
This year we have leased an additional 1.1 acre plot on which we are growing thousands of pounds of fresh produce for donation to area food banks and shelters. This will provide a space for veterans to come and volunteer, enjoy the garden space, have hands on gardening instruction, and connect with others.
The Community:

We regularly have potluck meals, farm camping, and other community building events. Members bring meat to grill and we make tasty and creative dishes with the produce from our garden. There is a large field in which children can fly kites, kick balls, throw frisbees, and play tag. The fire pit is a place to gather, relax, and talk. On the other side of the field is a creek where we meet to pray and is a place for solitude and rest, and cooling off on a hot summer day. Our goal is that people will WANT to be at the farm, that this would be a place they can't wait to come back to time and again. A place where friendships are formed, burdens are shared, and healing takes place.