NEW FREEDOM FARM, INC.®

Lois Fritz founded New Freedom Farm in 2016 out of her personal understanding of PTSD and the relief she experienced through time spent in the midst of her horses. Located on 13 level acres in Buchanan, VA, the farm is home to 18 equines, including three mares & their foals saved from slaughter, a number of mini horses an mini donkeys, a hinny and a mule. New Freedom Farm is dedicated to helping those who have served our country along with their families by providing a safe place for veterans suffering from PTSD/TBI, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and secondary trauma to come and find respite. Our founder shows by example that it is possible to endure trauma, get sober and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. New Freedom Farm is healing humans through horses, and aims to reduce the number of military personnel suicides and provide support to veterans and their families.

Studies have shown that interacting with an animal, such as a horse, can be very helpful and calming to those suffering from PTSD. ​Visiting with the equines at New Freedom Farm helps with isolation, communication, trust, and social skills. New Freedom Farm has regular support meetings at its peaceful facility. New Freedom Farm participates in various outreach events in the community. New Freedom Farm regularly hosts community events, including an annual Thanksgiving meal, open to veterans, their families and anyone who might otherwise be alone on the holiday. New Freedom Farm acts as a liaison to support services for veterans, helping veterans in crisis or with other needs to find resources for help.

New Freedom Farm has the capabilities for making change by helping one veteran at a time. One hurting soul. New Freedom Farm is free for all veterans and their family members. New Freedom Farm is helping veterans heal by hosting three days a week support groups for veterans and their families. Our program at New Freedom Farm meets the needs of veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse and TBI by facilitating healing and recovery through the therapeutic programs we offer here at the farm. Many existing therapeutic farms focus on structured individual equine therapy. In contrast, we focus on peer-to-peer support, camaraderie among veterans and building a strong support system in a serene, clean, safe and sober environment.

New Freedom Farm was issued its certificate of incorporation by the commonwealth of Virginia as a Non-Profit on June 20, 2016. We were granted our 501c3 status in a letter of determination from the IRS dated July 01, 2016. Our Town of Buchanan, VA business license was issued on May 25, 2016 and is renewed annually, most recently January 04, 2017.
December 21, 2015 the property at 6118 Lithia Road, Buchanan, VA 24066 was purchased with a VA housing loan by Lois & Mitchell Fritz.
March 01, 2016 marked the arrival a rescued thoroughbred mare at the farm. Pregnant and in ill health, she would be the first of several horses we would ultimately save from slaughter. On March 31 of the same year she gave birth to a new foal giving rise to our friends and family acknowledging their new freedom and ultimately leading to the adoption of our name; New Freedom Farm.
At that time, Lois began the process of applying for non-profit status and raised funds for that purpose through the offering of New Freedom Farm t-shirts. This fundraising effort garnered enough support to turn our idea into a reality.
In October of 2016 New Freedom Farm hosted its first annual open house with a special ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by both Town and County officials. Veterans began using the farm in earnest at this point; yielding attendance on average of 20 veteran visits per month.
2017 has seen a substantial increase in veteran visits. Veterans regularly attend substance abuse meetings; participate in farming activities including equine therapy and fellowship. Today, we see upwards of 30 veterans per month with increasing numbers of regular repetitive visitors. Community group activities have occurred on a regular basis. Lois has received numerous awards and publicity for the work done here at New Freedom Farm.
What's Next:
Four goals we wish to achieve in 2018
• Increase funding for staff salaries / endowment
• Add a program director
• Host a total of three veteran retreats, one each in the months of June, July & August

Long Range Objectives
Within the next five years we plan to provide temporary housing enabling overnight therapeutic visits and to serve as interim housing for homeless veterans.