Hello, Macon County! After Cory (my husband) retired from 21 years of service in the military, we found ourselves with a remarkable opportunity — we could move anywhere in the United States to dedicate our lives to the healing work we believe in so deeply. From coast to coast, we considered countless places, but something kept drawing us here to Franklin and these beautiful mountains that now feel like home. We knew this was exactly where we needed to be, surrounded by an incredible, supportive community.
The Special Liberty Project was born out of a shared vision to create a space for healing, support, and connection among veteran families and military widows. Since our early days, we’ve built a range of programs with a deep commitment to service, sacrifice, and solidarity — values that mean the world to us and the families we serve.
One of our cherished local programs is our monthly Bonfire + Barn Time event, where local veteran families gather to connect, unwind, and find community. Sitting around a warm fire, surrounded by supportive friends and family, there’s a sense of belonging that is truly special. These evenings offer a chance for connection and meaningful conversations — a beautiful way for our local veterans and their families to feel at home.
Another popular program is our monthly V.E.T. (Veterans Exploring Together) outings. This is more than just hiking or time outdoors; it’s about camaraderie, shared experiences, and forging supportive friendships that last. We are currently planning a fishing and hunting event; details will be on our website soon! Our veterans love these outdoor activities, and we feel so grateful to witness the bonds and support they build together.
We’re especially proud of our SERVS Program, which is the Series of Equine Retreats for Veterans’ Spouses. We know firsthand that it’s not only the veteran who serves; the entire family sacrifices. Through our SERVS retreats, we provide a space for spouses to connect, heal, and learn tools for wellness. With equine-assisted learning, spouses discover the powerful lessons that horses can teach about boundaries, communication, and resilience. These retreats have become an invaluable source of support, offering much-needed rest and community for those who stand alongside our veterans.
Our Mini Acts of Kindness program brings joy to veterans in assisted living facilities. With our miniature horses and mini donkey, Buddy, we visit veterans to share a few smiles, warm memories, and light-hearted moments. This small act of kindness has such a big impact, as our minis spread cheer and a reminder of gratitude to those who have given so much.
And finally, our Healing Wellness Retreats for Military Widows offer a place of solace and support for those who have experienced profound loss. We welcome widows from all over the country to these mountains for all inclusive, intensive and deeply healing four-day retreats, providing a serene space where they can find community, strength, and healing. To witness these women, who come from as far as Alaska, finding renewed hope and connection is humbling beyond words.
We feel so blessed by the beautiful community that surrounds us here in Franklin. The kindness and support we receive remind us daily of how fortunate we are to do this work in such a welcoming place. We invite local veteran families to join us and become part of our family. We also encourage anyone with unique gifts or skills — be it woodworking, painting, cooking, or something else entirely — to reach out if you’d like to share your talents in a workshop. Together, we can create even more healing opportunities for our community.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you’d like to get involved. Thank you, Macon County, for embracing us so warmly and supporting our mission to serve those who have served us all.