Desert Forge Foundation: Restoring emotional, mental, and physical health to returning combat Veterans through meaningful job training, employment, and the arts.
Desert Forge Foundation, Warrior Farmer Project (WFP)
The Desert Forge Foundation (DFF) was founded in 2010 by combat Veterans, to serve other returning Veterans. To give some perspective, 25 Veterans commit suicide every day in the USA; with 75 Veterans committing suicide in New Mexico in 2024. As New Mexico is one of the poorest states in America, there are many reasons for this trend, but “lack of hope” is the most prominent.
Desert Forge serves as a beacon of hope for these community members who’ve given so much.
To empower Veterans and struggling community members, Desert Forge created the Warrior Farmer Project (WFP), which prepares Veterans and other community members to take up agriculture and entrepreneurship, fostering healing and opportunity in our community.
Three Pillars of the DFF Projects
Veteran empowerment and restoration
• ALL Desert Forge programs utilize “Veteran-centered design” and holistic methodologies
• ALL Desert Forge Warriors participate in planning, and decision-making of DFF projects
Community revitalization and economic development
• Project & programs occur in communities throughout New Mexico
• Revenue and employment generation: value-added food and other products, well-paying jobs, etc.
Food localization and revitalization of New Mexico’s agricultural sector
• DFF partners with farmers, agricultural educators and researchers, and food entrepreneurs
• The WFP utilizes sustainable/regenerative agricultural methods in all aspects of its work