A systematic review of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) for military families (beyond just the veteran) found positive effects on wellbeing of family members. PMC

A large trial (156 participants) found veterans paired with trained psychiatric service dogs had lower PTSD, lower anxiety, lower depression, and better psychosocial functioning after 3 months vs. usual care. (JAMA Network). That better psychosocial functioning can translate into improved family relationships, social reintegration, and less isolation.

Review research indicates that animal-assisted interventions can enhance communication and relational bonds across the entire family of a service member. PMC+1

Healing also happens in silence. Reading, journaling, or simply sitting in peace helps quiet racing thoughts and restore focus. Research on reflective reading and journaling shows it reduces rumination and increases self-efficacy — the sense that “I can handle this.”
Our library gives guests a calm refuge to breathe, learn, and grow.

Fresh air, sunlight, quiet trails — nature does what no pill can. Research on “green exercise” shows that simply being active outdoors boosts mood and energy far more than indoor workouts.
For our guests, that means morning hikes, fishing by the pond, or camping under the stars. It’s not about “therapy” in the traditional sense — it’s about remembering what calm feels like.

Movement heals, too. Decades of evidence show that consistent exercise helps lower depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and strengthen the body after stress.
Our fitness center isn’t about competition — it’s about recovery. It gives guests structure, focus, and a healthy outlet to rebuild strength both inside and out.

We know healing doesn’t stop when you leave. That’s why AFL connects guests with VA claims education and ongoing cancer support resources, ensuring no one faces those battles alone.

The VA’s own Whole Health program backs this approach — combining clinical care with nature, mindfulness, movement, and community. It’s exactly what we practice here every day.

“Effect of horticultural therapy on mental health: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials” — effect size ~0.55 showing positive impact of horticultural therapy on mental health. PubMed

“Horticultural therapy for stress reduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis” — shows improved psychological indicators from horticultural therapy vs controls. Frontiers

“Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis” — broad meta-analysis of 22 studies showing gardening associated with reductions in depression/anxiety and increases in well-being. PMC

“The impact of gardening on well-being, mental health, and quality of life: umbrella review” — includes 40 studies, shows positive impact of gardening/horticulture on quality of life and well-being. BioMed Central

“Horticultural therapy, nutrition and post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans” — shows that horticulture can support rehabilitation for veterans, including physical/neurological/psychological gains. PMC

“Multisite Agricultural Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) pilot program” — agricultural-based treatment activities for veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues. PMC