Why We Chose Franklin, North Carolina as Our Home Base

When people ask why we chose Franklin, North Carolina as the home for the Special Liberty Project, the answer always comes back to one word: magic. On our very first night in these mountains, our then-10-year-old daughter watched fireflies flicker across the horse pasture and whispered, “This place is magical, Mommy.” In that moment, I knew this land would not only help our own family heal as we shifted from the whirlwind of military life to running the Special Liberty Project full-time, but it would also become a place of renewal for every family we welcome.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Franklin is where the restorative power of nature blends with the generosity of an incredibly supportive community, making it the perfect home for the healing work we do.

When we first laid eyes on the rolling hills and misty peaks of Western North Carolina, we knew we had found something truly special. The majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, the endless trails winding through ancient forests, the refreshing splash of cool river water on a hot summer day—it all called to us in a way that felt like home.

Franklin, nestled in the heart of Macon County, offered everything we dreamed of when imagining a place where healing and connection could happen. Whether it’s Whitewater rafting down the Nantahala, hiking to hidden waterfalls, climbing rugged rock faces, or simply sitting beside a peaceful mountain stream, this land invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself and with nature.

But as much as we fell in love with the scenery and the adventure, it was the people here who truly captured our hearts. What we didn’t expect—and what has meant the most—was discovering a vibrant, generous, and supportive community that embraced our mission from day one.

From volunteers showing up with open hearts and hardworking hands, to local restaurants donating meals for our retreat guests, to banks, businesses, and civic organizations sponsoring events and programs to ensure our healing retreats continue, this community has shown up for us in the most beautiful ways.

It’s one thing to choose a location for its natural beauty. It’s another to find a place where the people are just as breathtaking. Franklin and Macon County are more than just a backdrop for our work—they are an active part of it. This is where our Healing Herd of Horses roams. This is where veterans, spouses, and Gold Star families gather to find peace, purpose, and connection. And this is where our dream took root and continues to grow.

We’re forever grateful to call this place home. And to every neighbor, business, volunteer, and partner who helps us carry out our mission, you are the true heart of what makes this work possible.