Scotty Irwin, Market Manager - Growing Veterans. Cultivating belonging and purpose through farming.
The program on August 25th was both inspiring and captivating with a cause so meaningful and fulfilling that everyone should hear this program. Started in 2012 co-founded by Chris Brown, a combat wounded USMC veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and a former mental health counselor turned farmer, Christina Wolf, they agreed that using the farm as a catalyst for human connection and veteran reintegration could have a powerful impact on the health and well being of not only vets returning home but the world. The purpose of Growing Veterans is to reduce veteran suicides by targeting the root cause which is isolation. The organizations vision is to create a culture of honor, truth and understanding, where they connect and strengthen the roots of humanity.
Using the farm and agricultural training and therapy as a platform, Growing Veterans provides a space where veterans can work together, support each other and engage with the broader community. Support training, developed by veterans and mental health professionals, Scotty facilitates the three day training sessions around the country, teaching others to use peer support as a successful tool in PTSD growth and recovery.
Scotty began as a volunteer for Growing Veterans in 2014 after serving as a Combat Medic with Washington Army National Guard. Scotty is certified as a Peer Supporter by the State of Washington and has a degree in Criminal Justice and her civilian background is in Public Safety and Administration.
The organization grows micro greens used by many of the top restaurants in the Seattle area. The Puget Sound Food Hub is where many of the area restaurants buy their local produce. Each year there is an auction involving Chef Bruno of the Semiahmoo Resort. Other products are sold on-line or at the Farm and Market in Everett such as honey and hot sauce.