Frequently asked questions
Questions about the farm, answered
Who can come, what it costs, when we're open, and how to volunteer or give at Veterans Healing Farm in Mills River, North Carolina. Can't find your question? Contact us or call (828) 595-6111.
The basics: who can come and what it costs
What is Veterans Healing Farm?
Veterans Healing Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit farm in Mills River, North Carolina. John and Nicole Mahshie founded it in 2013. Our mission is to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation's veterans and their families. Our vision is an end to the veteran suicide crisis.
We do that through farm work (agritherapy), pottery, therapeutic workshops, and community events, in a safe, peaceful place to heal.
Do I have to be a veteran?
Our programs are for veterans and their families. A few reach further. Clay & Camaraderie pottery also welcomes active-duty service members and VHF volunteers, and our suicide prevention classes are open to everyone in Western North Carolina.
Most of the veterans we serve live in Henderson, Buncombe, and Transylvania counties, and some come from neighboring states: Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.
You don't need to be a veteran to volunteer. Our volunteers are veterans, family members, caregivers, and anyone who wants to help.
Can family members come too?
Yes. We serve veterans and their families, so family members are welcome at our programs, workshops, and events. Caregivers and family members can also join a volunteer squad.
Does it cost anything?
Our programs are at no cost to veterans and their families. In 2026, everything the farm provided was free to them, from workshops to produce, flowers, and herbal products (see our 2026 impact).
One small note: some workshops, including pottery, sign you up through Regpack, which adds a $1 system charge. If you need to cancel one of those, please do it at least 72 hours ahead.
Is this therapy?
Some of it is. Our programs center on brain health and healing through hands-on work and time with peers. Some workshops are therapies (equine, canine, art, music, and neurofeedback). Others are therapeutic experiences, like blacksmithing, canning, herbal medicine, and pottery. See the full list under Workshops.
The farm supports care but doesn't replace it. For clinical help, the VA's free mental health apps and the Veterans Crisis Line are good places to start.
Visiting the farm
Where is the farm?
138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC 28759, in Western North Carolina. It's also our mailing address.
When is the farm open?
Tuesday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. Saturday hours vary, so call first at (828) 595-6111. We're closed Sunday and Monday.
Our regular groups meet on set days: the Garden Group on Wednesdays, 9am to noon, and the Medicinal Herb Squad on Fridays, 10am to 2pm. Times can change, so check the event calendar or call first.
Can I get a tour?
Yes, by appointment. Call (828) 595-6111 or email us to set up a time.
Do I need to sign up before I come?
It depends on why you're coming.
- Workshops and events: some ask you to sign up ahead. Open the event on our calendar and use its Register button if it has one.
- Volunteering: fill out our short volunteer form first. Then join a regular group, like the Garden Group (Wednesdays, 9am to noon) or the Medicinal Herb Squad (Fridays, 10am to 2pm), or come during farm hours. Check the calendar or call first.
- A tour: tours are by appointment, so contact us first.
Programs, workshops, and events
What programs do you offer?
We offer four kinds of programs.
- Agritherapy: tending the vegetable and flower gardens, medicinal herbs, and beehives together, with the Garden Group, Medicinal Herb Squad, and Bee Keeping Squad.
- Clay & Camaraderie: pottery with our resident potter, Sophia Lauterbach.
- Workshops: therapies and hands-on therapeutic experiences, from equine therapy to blacksmithing.
- Events: remembrance, outings, and community gatherings, like our Annual Veterans Resource Fair.
How do I find upcoming workshops and events?
Everything is on our event calendar. You can filter it by workshops, volunteer groups, wellness, and community events, and register from there. To see new dates on your phone, add our calendar to Google Calendar.
Weekly groups, like the Garden Group and the Medicinal Herb Squad, are listed under regular gatherings.
Do I need experience for the workshops or pottery?
No. Beginner workshops need no experience. Clay & Camaraderie starts with a 4-week beginner hand-building workshop, and past students can come back for open studio. Seasonal workshops, like the two-part holiday ornament workshop, need no pottery experience either.
Do you offer suicide prevention training?
Yes. We host Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) and Mental Health First Aid, open to everyone in Western North Carolina. Watch the calendar for the next class, or contact us to ask.
What happens to everything the farm grows?
We give it all away. Our produce, flower bouquets, honey, and herbal products go to our veteran community and to local partners: the Charles George VA Medical Center, Veterans Restoration Quarters in Asheville, IAM Food Pantry, Hendersonville Rescue Mission, The Storehouse, SafeLight Women's Shelter and its Dandelion Café, Carolina Reserve of Laurel Park and Hendersonville, and The Landing.
In 2026 that was 2,683 lbs of produce, more than 500 bouquets, 15 gallons of honey, and 2,235 herbal products (from our 2026 Year-End Report (opens in a new tab)). Since we started, we've grown and donated nearly 80,000 lbs of produce.
Volunteering at the farm
How do I start volunteering?
Three steps: fill out our short volunteer form, pick a squad, and come out to the farm. The Garden Group meets Wednesdays, 9am to noon, and the Medicinal Herb Squad meets Fridays, 10am to 2pm. Times can change, so check the calendar or call first.
How much time do I have to give, and do I need experience?
No set hours and no experience needed. Come when you can, help with what interests you, and learn as you go. Every squad teaches newcomers.
What volunteer squads are there?
- Garden Group, led by Maddie McCann, Director of Agriculture: vegetables and flowers, including the bouquets we give out at the VA. Wednesdays, 9am to noon.
- Medicinal Herb Squad, led by Rebecca Vann, Director of Plant Medicine. Fridays, 10am to 2pm.
- Bee Keeping Squad, working alongside Lead Beekeeper Michael Morano. There's no weekly time: classes and workdays are on the calendar.
You can join more than one. Check the calendar or call before you come. All three squads are on the Volunteer page.
Can I help without doing farm work?
Yes. Volunteer committees handle the work behind the scenes: marketing, social media, events, membership, website development, fundraising, and community outreach. New members are welcome and needed. Email us to join one.
Can my business or group volunteer or partner with you?
Yes, we'd love that. Read about sponsorship and partnership, or email us to talk about working together.
Giving to the farm
How can I donate?
Give online through PayPal, one time or monthly. You don't need a PayPal account: you can pay by card.
Are there other ways to give?
- Mail a check, payable to Veterans Healing Farm, to 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC 28759.
- Leave a gift in your will or estate plan. Call us at (828) 595-6111 and we'll help you or your advisor with the details.
- Send supplies from our Amazon wish list. Amazon ships them straight to the farm.
- Give your time on a squad or committee.
- Wear your support with gear from our online shop.
- Businesses, clubs, foundations, and families can become sponsors.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Veterans Healing Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 46-5689396), so your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our IRS Form 990s and our North Carolina charitable solicitation license are public. For advice on your own taxes, please check with your tax advisor.
How is the money used?
We have a very small staff, many of them veterans, and 411 people volunteered with us in 2026. So most grants and donations go straight into the farm and its programs: agritherapy, workshops, and events.
About Veterans Healing Farm
Who runs the farm?
A small staff, many of them veterans, led by Executive Director Alan "Al" Yeck, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. A volunteer board of veterans and community professionals guides the farm.
Where can I see photos, news, and updates?
Browse our photo galleries and news coverage, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
For email updates, sign up on our Newsletters page, where you can also read past issues.
Can I share my story about the farm?
Please do. If the farm has been part of your life as a veteran, family member, volunteer, or partner, send us your story. You can read others on our testimonials page.
How do you handle my information?
We don't sell your personal information, and our site doesn't use advertising cookies. Please don't send medical or mental health details through our website, forms, or email. We'd rather talk with you in person or by phone. Details are in our privacy policy.
Getting help now
I'm a veteran in crisis. Who do I call?
Call the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1. You can also text 838255 or chat online. It's free, confidential, and open 24/7, and you don't have to be enrolled in VA care. In an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Are there apps that can help with PTSD, sleep, or stress?
Yes. Our Resources page lists 11 free apps from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including PTSD Coach, Insomnia Coach, Mindfulness Coach, and VetChange.
I'm not sure where to start. Can you help?
Yes. Come out to the farm during farm hours, or call us at (828) 595-6111. We'll help you find the right support. You don't have to figure it out alone.
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Ask us
Still have a question?
Call during farm hours, Tuesday to Friday, or email us anytime. We'd love to hear from you.