New Freedom Farm dedicated the Veteran’s Center on Jan. 4

January 6, 2020 Reader Submission

Many volunteers helped get the Center opened.

It was a monumental day at New Freedom Farm. The Steve Goodwin Veteran’s Center Building is now open.

After 3 years of hard work from volunteers and 100% donations the veteran center here at New Freedom Farm was dedicated. Lois Fritz the Director said, “We are so grateful to have a climate controlled building and a flushing toilet, along with running hot and cold water.” There is also a functioning kitchen, office space and a gathering room.

Jack Cassell a WWII Veteran in his 90s said about the event. “It was a great day and a move forward for the farm and veterans.”

The greatest gift came from local Gold Star Parents David and Becky Lalush, they literally gave every single weekend for the past 48 weekends to this project. David Lalush took vacation days from his regular job to complete this project. The project was a lot of hard work. The building was once used for breeding equines prior to Lois Fritz purchasing the property on December 21, 2015.

The existing agriculture building had a new roof with insulation installed, plumbing and many other additions including an office for Fritz who once used a spare room in her home as the office for New Freedom Farm.

Fritz lives by her motto about Veterans and susicide. “Twenty -two per day is too many.” This center gives Veterans a place to sit and talk, the horses as a reason to look forward to the next day and a purpose in training and getting to know the equine is a positive experience. The fellowship this building will bring is priceless.

Fritz said, “New Freedom Farm is beyond grateful for so many veteran and civilian organizations that has made all this possible.”

Founded in 2016, New Freedom Farm is for veterans, first responders and the family members of those suffering from ptsd and or substance abuse, the farm is free for all veterans, first responders and the family members.

The program is unique in that it is unstructured, no demographics are collected and wild mustangs and or rescued equines are part ofNew Freedom Farm.

Check out the FB page where you can make donations to this worthy organization