As December ends, we find ourselves reflecting on a season of gratitude: time spent with family, moments of rest, and the shared purpose that continues to bring our community together. The end of 2025 marks not only the holiday season, but the culmination of an incredibly eventful and productive year for Verdant Valor Sanctuary.

Since August, our organization has made meaningful progress in shaping a vision rooted in land, service, and healing. December was no exception. It has been a month of steady work behind the scenes, laying foundations that will carry us confidently into 2026.

December Progress & Milestones
Throughout December, the VVS team continued advancing key areas of development:

Brand & Digital Presence
Significant progress was made on website design and visual identity. Our branding, fonts, and logo elements are being refined to ensure Verdant Valor Sanctuary presents a clear, professional, and mission-aligned presence as we move toward public launch and fundraising.

 

Land & Agricultural Planning
Ongoing land scouting and exploration of USDA agricultural and land-based grant opportunities continued this month. These efforts are helping us align property criteria with long-term sustainability, accessibility, and program needs.

Early 2026 Land Search Preparation
Active coordination with our real estate agent has positioned us to begin targeted land searches during the first week of January 2026, keeping our timeline intentional and focused.

Governance & Policy Development
Continued work on bylaws and internal policies strengthened the organizational framework needed for compliance, accountability, and future growth.

Team Collaboration
December was also marked by thoughtful feedback, strategic discussion, and collective problem-solving; reinforcing that Verdant Valor Sanctuary is being built through collaboration and shared commitment.

Why This Work Matters… Especially During the Holidays
The holiday season can be particularly challenging for the populations we serve.

Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD):
In North Carolina alone, tens of thousands of individuals with IDD remain on waiting lists for services. The holidays often highlight gaps in access to meaningful day programs, employment opportunities, and community connection.

Veterans:
Nationally, many veterans report increased feelings of isolation and mental health strain during the winter months. Transitions, limited access to services, and lack of purpose-driven engagement can intensify during this time of year.

Verdant Valor Sanctuary exists at the intersection of these needs, offering a future where nature, purpose, and community support healing and belonging year-round.

Looking Ahead to Early 2026
The start of 2026 brings meaningful opportunity:

USDA & Agricultural Developments
Early 2026 is expected to open new cycles for USDA agricultural, conservation, and land-transition programs; which are key pathways that align with our farm-based model.

IDD Services in North Carolina
Medicaid IDD services and Innovations Waiver discussions remain active statewide, with continued focus on workforce development, community-based programming, and alternative therapeutic models.

Veteran-Focused Initiatives
Veteran service organizations and public health partners are expected to roll out new initiatives early in the year addressing mental health, reintegration, and community wellness; areas where Verdant Valor Sanctuary is positioned to collaborate and contribute.

Gratitude & Growing Together
As we close out 2025, we do so with gratitude for how far we’ve come and excitement for what lies ahead. What began as a vision is steadily becoming a structure, supported by planning, partnerships, and purpose.

Our next board meeting will take place at 8PM EST on January 18, 2026, and we look forward to continuing this work together in the new year.