JANE, Mo. — Rogers-based nonprofit Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA) makes it its mission to support the wellness of our nation's heroes through its wellness programs at its scenic ranch.
Sheep Dog Heroes Ranch sits on more than 50 acres of farmland about 25 miles north of Bentonville in Jane, Missouri.
SDIA aims to empower veterans and first responders through its 'Get Off the Couch' programs. These programs include Outdoor Adventures for physical activity, Warrior PATHH training to help with mental wellness, and Continued Service/Disaster Response programs.
Warrior PATHH is one of the programs hosted at the ranch.
It is a 90-day training program that begins with a seven-day intensive at the ranch and is followed by three months of dedicated support from a team of trained Warrior PATHH Guides.
The Warrior PATHH program focuses on teaching veterans and first responders about Posttraumatic Growth (PTG).
According to SDIA's website, "PTG is a positive psychological transformation that can happen after trauma. The science of PTG demonstrates that when we’re forced to reflect on our lives and make sense of the destruction caused by trauma, our struggles can become a catalyst for change."
"It's finding that second mountain in life and climbing it and getting to the top and enjoying your life again," said John Parker, SDIA marketing coordinator.
Parker added he believes PTG is an essential concept in today's society.
“I think a lot of veterans and first responders get those labels put on them, and it's hard for them to break out of those labels," Parker said. "They come through our program, and they’ve learned the value of Post Traumatic Growth and how you don't have to live with those labels, and there's a better life on the other side; you just have to be willing to work hard and grab it. It changes their life.”
Parker said these three programs run year round and are completely free for veterans and first responders who want to participate.
More information about all of Sheep Dog's programming and resources can be found on the organization's website.
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