Our Programs

At First In Gardens, healing happens through participation rather than diagnosis. It’s not therapy. It’s healing through living—and it works. We provide a safe space that gives Veterans and First Responders the grace to work through their trauma, heal, and still feel a sense of belonging and community.

Through a variety of farm-based activities, we offer Veterans and First Responders the opportunity to engage at their own pace—whether through hands-on work, quiet connection with nature, or simply spending time alongside others.

Our programs are grounded in three pillars of restoration: Food, Community, and Education. Our activities include:

  • Plant care & produce harvesting

  • Animal companionship & care

  • Peer-to-peer support

  • Educational workshops & classes

  • Community gatherings & meals

  • Music, arts & crafts

The work is simple—plant a seed, care for something living, share a meal, work beside someone who understands. Through these acts, Veterans and First Responders rediscover what trauma often takes away: purpose, belonging, and connection.

  • Grow it.

    Vegetables, fruits, berries, and flowers are all cultivated at FIG. Witness and engage with the cycle of life first hand by tilling, planting, pruning, harvesting, and composting.

  • Nurture it.

    The chickens and pygmy goats at FIG provide great entertainment with their ridiculous antics. We also welcome your help in caring for them with feeding, stall cleaning, and hygiene maintenance.

  • Share it.

    Produce grown at FIG is offered to all participants in reciprocity for their efforts. We also distribute our harvest to food insecurity organizations focused on First Responders and Veterans in our local neighborhoods.

  • Build it.

    With raised garden beds, a barn, berry bush enclosure, and lots of fencing, the need for constant building and repairing is necessary. If you are already skilled with your hands, or wanting to learn some basic construction techniques, there will always be a project available for those willing to bang some nails!

  • Create it.

    Creativity abounds at FIG. Flower arranging, cooking, and painting are common opportunities. We also welcome any ideas for self-expression you may bring!

  • Learn it.

    We partner with community members with special skills to offer FIG. From cooking to carpentry, we have the privilege of sharing time and expertise with our talented neighbors. Goat yoga anyone?

Garden Members -

Garden Members -

Are you a First Responder, Veteran, or family member?

Are you interested in participating with us?

Fill out the form below and we can't wait to see you at FIG!