In 2012 Alison Perry envisioned Central Oregon Veteran’s Ranch to be “a working ranch that restores purpose and spirit to veterans of all ages.”  Nine years later the ranch exists just north of Bend in Central Oregon; 19 acres of homestead and land where veterans are working together, practicing regenerative agriculture in the context of non-residential community.

Alison returns to Paradigms after 6 years to share the ongoing progress occurring at the ranch, including support groups for veterans and their families, the construction of a greenhouse leading to a hydroponics business supplying fresh produce to local establishments, and the work in progress to create an Adult Foster Home where veterans will provide end of life care for other veterans.

The community model being developed and implemented at COVR can be replicated anywhere because it is based in very simple principles of cooperation, service, and caring. Alison describes what’s happening and how this inspiration is contagious.

Music by: Jorma Kaukonen, Old Crow Medicine Show, Tracy Chapman, George Harrison, This Frontier Needs Heroes, and Lindsey Buckingham & Little Big Town.

Podcast: Download (Duration: 59:31 — 136.7MB)