Warriors Community of SWFL’s mission is to create a bonded community for our Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and their families.
We do this by hosting events, social activities & clubs, trainings, seminars, workshops, physical activities, yoga & meditation, retreats, counseling, group therapy, referrals, resources, and family gatherings. We will encourage bonds that create growth and resilience, and support activities that are structured, safe and healthy.
WARRIORS COMMUNITY OF SWFL IS BRINGING WARRIORS TOGETHER THROUGH THE POWER OF CONNECTION , SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
Lindsay & Dan Smith were determined to help our fellow military community and survivors of traumatic events. After a decade of volunteer work on several Board of Directors for Nonprofits, Lindsay knew they wanted to not only help a cause, but find a way for it to fund itself and operate through our community by also helping the volunteers serving those that serve.
With a 20 Year Background in Hospitality, it was not surprising Lindsay developed the plan for The Barn at Smith Acres, LLC.
Shown here is the original drawing on that napkin in 2018.
It surely didn't happen overnight. And it wasn't for a lack of effort. Things like new babies, new jobs, a PCS, a Pandemic, a broken spine, and then a direct hit from a Category 5 Hurricane all set us back a bit.
But we're yet to lose sight of the plan. We will build a venue that will hosts events that will assist in paying for services, retreats, family gatherings, trainings and more for our fellow Veteran and First Responder Families.
In Early 2022 the land was purchased and we began to build. July 2022 the foundation was poured, and never will we forget the day the exterior of the building was completed... September 25, 2022. Just 3 days prior to us taking a direct hit from Hurricane Ian as a Category 5 and demolishing our community as we knew it. The building didn't have a scratch; but many neighbors did & we went to assist them instead. In February 2023 we were finally able to begin working on our building and grounds again to works towards our goals.
As of Summer 2023, we have grown and raised most of the animals we wish to have at the farm for families to enjoy. However, if you've ever heard of "chicken math", it applies to all farm animals!
Dan & Greg will begin the interior framing of the new barn any day now that the gutters are up.
Lindsay is hosting what's called "Agritourism" Events here at the property to assist in the cash flow, as well as yoga classes, events & fundraisers.
Craig has drawn out the entire Zen Garden and marked out the new ponds. We're about ready to run some electrical over there and start digging and planting any day now.
And of course it's summer, so all of the kids will be home and half, if not less, of the work wanted to get done will.
At the rate we're going, we're hoping to be able to get some air conditioning inside the new barn by the end of the summer! Fingers Crossed!
Warrior's Community of Southwest Florida is officially ACTIVATED! With the opening of The Barn at Smith Acres, we not only have a space, but also funds to host our heroes!
Contact is to attend the following events:
(Free for First Responders, Active Military, Veterans & their supportive families.)
December 22, 2023 5:30p-9:30p
Lee County First Responder, Public Safety Family Movie Night on the Farm
January 1, 2024 • 9a to 7p
Yoga & Wellness Day Retreat
January 13th & 14th, 2024 • 8am to 4pm
Trauma Informed Yoga Training & Workshop
January 24, 2024 • 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Starting a Florida Small Business Workshop (Includes writing a successful business plan)
January 25, 2024 • 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Homesteading Workshop (Topic TBD)
February 24, 2024 • 8am to 7:30p
First Responder Day Retreat - Spoil me with Wellness
Are you passionate about supporting veterans and giving back to your community? Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a difference in the lives of those who have served. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities, from helping with fundraising events to providing mentorship to veterans in need. Contact us today to learn more about getting involved with Warrior's Community of Southwest Florida.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission by allowing us to serve those who serve.
WC of SWFL, Inc is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit and your contribution is tax exempt. Thank you!
Join one of our nature retreats in Southwest Florida where you can forget the weight of life for a few days and indulge into Smith Acres Farm. Once here, you’ll enjoy fishing, farming, animals, the beach, nature trails, gardening, yoga, meditation, bonfires & so much more!
Check out what Vibe Yoga has to offer for our Service Members and First Responder Families of SWFL. Visit www.VibeYogaSWFL.com for more info.
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What's your story?
What are you missing that we can provide?
We want to enrich the lives of our heroes... let us- it will even be fun!
(And not "Mandatory Fun")
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