The Central Oregon Veterans Ranch helps veterans develop their inner strength and find purpose by providing camaraderie and access to nature on our working ranch.
Veterans share a bond. They understand the inherent sacrifices of their service, ranging from realities of war to the post-military service impact on physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive aspects of health. We don’t take the freedoms secured by these sacrifices lightly. Perhaps the most profound of these sacrifices: moral injury and the loss of innocence.
Our innovative, strengths-based approach is centered on building community among a diverse population of military veterans. The welcoming support experienced at The Ranch reduces self-isolation and loneliness and fosters belonging and feelings of being understood, proven protective factors against the risk of suicide, which tragically remains at 17 veterans every day in the US (US Department of Veteran Affairs, 2022).
We use the platform of a working ranch to create compassionate community in a natural setting around a common purpose: caring for animals, the land, ourselves, and each other. This unique approach promotes organic healing in a setting where nothing is forced or prescribed. Veterans discover a new sense of identity and purpose as they build relationships, find support, learn new skills, and meaningfully contribute to a new mission.
We draw veterans from across the vast rural footprint of Central Oregon, with a focus on Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties. Participants cover a wide age spectrum: from their 20’s-50’s from recent engagements in Afghanistan and/or Iraq, to Gulf War, Vietnam, and Korea era veterans in their 60’s-90’s. The multigenerational warrior camaraderie built around non-stigmatizing agricultural programs create authentic connections and rekindle a sense of trust and belonging often lost after leaving the military.
View the trailer for our documentary film.
Cover me, The Path to Purpose
A small nonprofit with a grand vision, Central Oregon Veterans Ranch (COVR) is transforming the lives of veterans tormented by the wounds of war and other military-related traumas. Cover Me, The Path to Purpose, is a gripping documentary that tells the story of how a healing sanctuary is challenging veteran suicide and changing the paradigm of how we care for veterans.
Hydroponics Class Now Offered!
CURRENT OPERATING HOURS
VETERANS:
Monday – Saturday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
GENERAL PUBLIC:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
For appointment or other opportunities call
541-706-9062 or email Info@covranch.org