TOP : Front : Randy Bagwell , a vet who launched a cattle business onsite , and Karen Dalton . Back , left to right : Curt Hancock , Adam Shippee , Karyn Shippee , George Luz Jr ., George Huddleston , Chris Rowe , Jennifer Hancock . BELOW RIGHT : Volunteers Curt and Jennifer Hancock training Molly and Gus the cows , whom they bottle-fed from five days old . BELOW LEFT : Curt Hancock comforts Magnolia .
Snapshot : Dare to Dream Ranch
Along a dirt road in Foster , a canopy of American flags leads to Dare to Dream Ranch , a place of pastoral peace for veterans searching for their mission after the military — particularly those battling mental health challenges . Karen Dalton , whose father is a Marine , founded the nonprofit in 2014 after gardening , nutrition and horse therapy improved her own chronic condition . “ My goal is to help others do the same ,” says Dalton . The ranch offers agricultural therapy — think : collecting chicken eggs for the VA homeless shelter — equine therapy , overnight retreats and career support . Dalton is also fundraising for an indoor equine facility , a gift shop for veteran-made wares and acreage to accommodate tiny homes for vets in need . A volunteer herself , Dalton is supported by a fleet of civilians and military families called to serve those who ’ ve served for us . – CASEY NILSSON
104 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l NOVEMBER 2021