Tribal News

Valor Ranch Awarded $225,000 Grant from The Heartspace Initiative

Decatur, Texas (Oct. 31, 2019) – The Heartspace Initiative has awarded a $225,000 grant to Valor Ranch to begin Phase 1 construction of housing for female veterans to empower our Nation’s Sheroes to continue writing their story. 

“It is an honor to receive this generous grant,” said Keri Wilcox, President, and Founder of Valor Ranch. “This allows Valor Ranch to begin constructing cottages for the SHEROES, women defined as heroes.” 

Launched in 2018, Valor Ranch’s mission is to provide “a safe, nurturing environment where a SHERO can stay for up to 12 months to refocus and outline the next chapter of her story,” according to the organization’s website. “Valor Ranch focuses on a holistic approach to empower our nation’s female veterans from any era of service,” said Wilcox. “Each veteran is housed in her own cottage on the ranch. She will also share in activities such as cooking, gardening, and tending to the animals to support the ranch population as a whole. Additionally, the SHERO will participate in group, one-on-one, equine therapy, budgeting, cooking classes, as well as volunteering in the community in order to enhance her life skills and increase her self-worth.”

A private foundation founded in 2018, the objective of The Heartspace Initiative is to alleviate poverty, promote education, and empower the underserved and the vulnerable.

“As a foundation run by women, we were especially moved by Keri’s commitment to celebrate and support brave female veterans who have sacrificed so much,” said Lindy J. Langston, President, and Executive Director of The Heartspace Initiative. “We are honored to help Valor Ranch as they build a safe place for these women to heal and move forward after selflessly serving our country.” 

Wilcox anticipates completion of Phase 1 construction by the fall of 2020. “Our goal is, by this time next year, to open the doors for four SHEROES, so they can continue to write their story,” she said.