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Healing Hearts in Granite Falls

Owner sets aside own land to support the troops

At the foot of Mt. Pilchuck in the beautiful Olympic Rain Forest, the Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran’s Retreat Center provides a safe, quiet space where veterans of all wars can find healing and hope. Photo credit: Healing Hearts Retreat Center

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Teresa "Flying Eagle" Baird knows what it is to lose someone to post-traumatic stress disorder. In 1987, her husband William Baird, a veteran of the Vietnam War, took his own life after struggling with PTSD.  

But Baird was determined not to let this tragedy be the end of the story. She decided to set aside 17 acres of the beautiful property she and her husband owned near the town of Granite Falls to be used as a retreat center for veterans to reflect and heal. The Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran's Retreat Center, located at the base of Mt. Pilchuck in the Olympic Rain Forest, was born.

The purpose of Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran's Retreat Center is summed up in its mission statement: "We work together to reach out to veterans and their families who are dealing with the issues associated with military deployment, war zone stress and reintegration. We offer a quiet, peaceful place for veterans and their families to go to relax and get back to nature. We are here to support all veterans of all wars and offer them a safe place to camp, fish, hike and enjoy nature. Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran's Retreat Center is a place for veterans to find and talk to other veterans. A place to discover that you are not alone and there are people that truly care."

The drug and alcohol-free retreat center features both day-use and overnight camping areas as well as a common area, the "Talking Circle Fire Pit," for the use of veterans and their families - all free of charge.

Baird asks only three things in return: Call to reserve space and let the center staff know that you're coming; keep to the rules; and, if you come by motorcycle, rev your engine when you arrive. Baird, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, loves the sound of motorcycles - especially Harleys.

Everything about the center is designed to provide a quiet place for veterans to connect with themselves, their families and with other veterans. Along with the prohibition on drugs and alcohol, PTSD triggers such as guns and fireworks are also prohibited. Fishing in season is allowed, however.

Baird and her colleagues are committed to helping veterans, especially those suffering from PTSD. The center's website includes links to a number of helpful resources, crisis assistance sites, and information about PTSD.

Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran's Retreat Center is a private, nonprofit organization.

"We are accepting donations of time, money, labor and materials. If you are able to help, please do. We operate solely on donations and volunteers," reads the Healing Hearts website.

"Give your heart to our veterans," Baird added, "for they are the heart of our country."

To learn more about how you can help Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran's Retreat Center - or how they can help you or someone you love - visit their website at healingheartsinhopeveteransretreatcenter.org.

Healing Hearts in Hope Veteran's Retreat Center, 28902 Mt. Loop Hwy., Granite Falls, 360.691.6284

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