CLARENCE CENTER, N.Y. — Tucked away in the sprawling fields of Clarence Center is a safe haven for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder called Wisdom Farm.
“Most of us, we had to hide all our fear and anxiety,” said Mike Tauro, a Vietnam War veteran. “And I thought as I got older, I would really like to lose that fear and anxiety.”
Tauro has been coming to the farm engaging in equine therapy with rescued horses. He said many of the people who come to the farm bond with the horses because of their shared traumatic pasts.
“Over five years I’ve been taking this in and I have all these friends with four legs, you know," Tauro said. "I love them all. It’s like we’re helping each other.”
For veterans of foreign wars like him, the risk of suicide in 2021 was nearly 34%.
The VFW’s National Veterans Service Director Michael Figlioli said vets with resources like housing, income, and food, are less likely to die by suicide, but still face their own forms of PTSD. Working through that trauma is where Wisdom Farm can help.
Karen Arrison, the director of the nonprofit, said the farm has been able to expand its services and started a community garden this year.
The program, called Heroes' Harvest, consists of donated items including plants and compost for veterans to cultivate and care for at their leisure. They can work independently or with a group depending on their needs.
Tauro said the farm has been life-changing, and the new program is a way of feeling grounded, getting in some physical activity, and accessing fresh ingredients for a nutritious meal.
Wisdom Farm is holding a benefit at Unbridled Cafe in East Amherst on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be live music, food and drinks, a basket raffle and a silent auction.