Restoring the Will to Live
for Those Who Risked It All

A safe haven where Veterans rediscover hope, healing, and purpose.

Every day, 22 Veterans in the U.S. die by suicide — often after feeling unseen, unsupported, or disconnected.

The Wellness Ranch exists to change that.

We provide trauma-informed, peer-supported shelter and healing spaces that restore dignity, hope, and purpose through community, camaraderie, and holistic wellness.

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Our Innovative, Holistic Approach

The Wellness Ranch is an innovative, holistic residential program designed to prevent veteran suicide by fostering community, camaraderie, and wellness. Located on a serene 2.5-acre property in Baldwin Lake at the far west end of Big Bear Valley, California, the ranch will offer veterans a transformative alternative to traditional inpatient psychiatric care.
 
Through private, self-contained cottages, integrated therapeutic modalities, and purpose-driven volunteer engagement with the local Big Bear community, The Wellness Ranch will create a supportive environment where veterans can heal, rediscover meaning, and build lasting connections.

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A Peaceful Place to Heal

Nestled below The Eye of God and The Pacific Crest Trail, in the far East end of Big Bear Valley, is Baldwin Lake, a welcoming ranch community straight out of a western. Where local residents are there for each other. Our Veterans can find peace to calm the inner storms.

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Connection & Purpose

Participants serve the Big Bear community through meaningful work, including preparing meals for elderly or homebound neighbors, clearing snow and fire hazards, delivering wood, assisting with household repairs, and guiding youth on hikes and fishing trips. These activities foster purpose, connection, and shared accomplishment.

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We can Do Better

A place for growth, reflection, and positive change. At Baldwin Lake, veterans learn new skills, build supportive relationships, and contribute to their community—proving that together, #WeCanDoBetter

Every day, veterans across America face a silent battle.

Total spent on saving veteran lives:
Veteran Lives Lost Annually:
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The system isn’t failing – it’s Incomplete.

Despite over $600 billion spent on mental health care, more than 8,000 veterans die by suicide each year—that’s 22 veterans per day!

And many still struggle with PTSD, TBI, addiction, and homelessness—often feeling isolated.

We believe the system isn’t failing—it’s incomplete. The missing piece is human connection.

At The Wellness Ranch, we provide a transformative alternative built on community, camaraderie, and compassion, helping veterans rediscover purpose, belonging, and hope.

You can be part of that healing. Your support helps us build a place where veterans no longer fight alone—where every life has value, and every hero has a home.

Donate Today
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Living Proof

I found that note behind the drawer
From the night I couldn’t take no more.
Thought leavin’ would be cleaner than the fight,
but I woke up gaspin’ in the middle of the night.
Stared at the ceiling hands ice cold
Prayin’ for strength I didn’t fold.
I stayed still too numb to run.
Still breathing when the dark was done.

I’m living proof pain couldn’t break me
Walked through fire and came out blazing.
I was one breath from goodbye town,
Now I’m boots down soul turned around.
The storm came hard but I came through.
You’re lookin’ at the scars, I’m living proof.

Will Thiery
Veteran/Singer/Songwriter