Veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related trauma have found sanctuary at the farm. Henry offers “centering,” empathy training, “nature soaking,” and “a place to unwind and reconnect” – free of charge to vets.
Her selfless devotion to veterans is personal. Henry’s father, Bob Firchau, suffered for years after returning from World War II.
Shouldering the entire financial load for the project since 2004, Henry recently partnered with the Starved Rock Country Community Foundation to assist with fund management, particularly to cover animal therapy expenses.
“We offer veterans training to humanize themselves,” she said. “Veterans often lose empathy for themselves. They’re often estranged from their families and so damaged they don’t feel they’re worthy of therapy.”
After therapy, participants often discover there is a life beyond their trauma or disability.
The complex features a veterans-only clubhouse, 8 acres of timber with six campsites, and therapy with horses, sheep, goats and the miniature horse “Tupac” and his mule sidekick “Biggie.”
Even the friendly family canine, Skipper, an Australian shepherd dog, “Sucks the pain from veterans who are suffering,” Henry said.
SRCCF President Fran Brolley said, “Heidi and her family are providing essential support for veterans who have been wounded mentally and sometimes physically. For 20 years, Acres of Peace has been an oasis where veterans can find quiet and peace – if only for a day or a weekend.”
“We are humbled to partner with Heidi, will support her efforts and cast light on the challenges she is facing. This is a cause that matters, and I am confident it will inspire the public support it deserves and needs.”
Henry is assisted on the farm by daughter Rebecca, a Public and Mental Health major at Western Illinois University.
Pre-covid, Acres was serving 30-40 veterans a week. Today, about 15 veterans seek refuge there each week.
