As a veteran-founded business, Beacon Design takes pride in supporting establishments working towards uplifting our veteran population. In August, we had the honor of donating over 800 ornaments to Dare to Dream Ranch!
Located in Foster RI, Dare to Dream Ranch is a non-profit organization creating a health and wellness space for veterans. Their mission is to, “provide alternative therapy programs for U.S. Military veterans and their families struggling with emotional challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)”.
Veteran Programs
Dare to Dream Ranch military retreat programs allow veterans to stay on the ranch and partake in a variety of alternative therapies.
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Equine Therapy
Equine-facilitated coaching (EFC) uses a horse’s natural responsiveness as a therapy tool for veterans. EFC establishes a connection between veterans and these magnificent creatures who have their own characteristics and personalities. The real-time experience works to support clients in learning how to manage stress by understanding their personal strengths in horse coaching.
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Fly Tying & Fishing
Fly tying and fishing is a timeless way to clear the mind and get out in nature. Veterans are welcome to enjoy a private fishing experience in a safe and inviting environment. This is great for refocusing your energy and refreshing your mental state.
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Woodworking
Woodworking therapy works as a functional outlet for veterans to get in touch with their creative side! Clients who sign up for the Woodworking program learn tool usage, critical thinking, planning, and patience. Seeing your final piece come to life creates a boost of confidence and reminds us how powerful perseverance is for our health and healing.
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Horticulture therapy
Horticulture therapy teaches clients to grow their own food organically. The process of planting and nurturing a garden is known to reduce stress and anxiety all while connecting veterans to the natural world.
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Beekeeping
Beekeeping is an extraordinary experience for veterans who want to master patience and learn more about bees and their importance. Clients who choose beekeeping will sharpen their focus and find time to relax during the process of handling these small but mighty bees.
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Agri- therapy
Agri-therapy is the overall process of tending to the care of plants and animals found on the ranch. Veterans can build confidence, reduce stress and anxiety, and create a sense of achievement. Clients who are interested in Agri-therapy take a sense of environmental awareness and nutrition with them when they leave.
All retreat options provide veterans with a safe and serine way to establish self-care practices while purposefully connecting with nature. The above therapy programs are just the beginning of the Dare 2 Dream Ranch’s efforts to give back to the veteran community. Dare 2 Dream Ranch holds a Summer Camp for children of veterans, offers career coaching, and more!
Yellow Ribbon Gala
On September 16th, 2023, from 5:30- 10:30 pm, Dare 2 Dream Ranch will be holding its second annual Yellow Ribbon Gala where they will highlight their efforts and connect with loyal sponsors, veterans, and their families. Funds collected will directly pour into building a health and wellness center at the ranch! Register for the event here: https://www.daretodreamranch.org/events
We are so proud of all the work Dare to Dream does for our veteran community. Founder, Karen Dalton has built this facility from the ground up with the help of dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and donors.
Like many nonprofits that use Beacon Design custom ornaments to fundraise, Dare to Dream Ranch will be able to use the donated pieces to help increase their fundraising dollars. Many other nonprofit organizations use them as donor gifts and to help bring donors back year after year by creating a collectible series. While Beacon Design helps many nonprofits with their ornament programs, we also work to give back to the community.
Dream to Ranch is always looking for volunteers who love to be around animals and want to give back to veterans. If you are a veteran or family member interested in one or more of these services, visit https://www.daretodreamranch.org/ to schedule a visit.
