About Us: The Story of Freedoms Purchase Ranch

 

About Us: The Story of Freedoms Purchase Ranch

Freedoms Purchase Ranch is a social enterprise founded by Michael Baird and his family with a singular mission: to provide a sustainable solution to homelessness, with a special focus on empowering veterans. Our vision is to build a replicable model that offers a path to long-term self-sufficiency and independence through a supportive community, vocational training, and holistic resources.

The Story Behind Our Mission

The concept for Freedoms Purchase Ranch was born from the personal journey of Michael Baird and his wife, who experienced the cascade of misfortunes during the pandemic that left them without a home. While adapting to a nomadic life in their RV, Michael was inspired by his friendship with Rich “Doc” Hendrzak, a battle-tested war hero with an expansive heart. Doc, who carried the weight of being 100% combat disabled, shared a bond with Michael built on mutual encouragement and a deep understanding of life’s profound challenges. Their shared experiences ignited the vision for a community where veterans and others could find healing and a path to a better future.

Our Guiding Values: The Four Freedoms

Our work is guided by the values of Norman Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms,” which serve as the pillars of our community:

• Freedom of Speech: Creating a safe space where every resident can share their stories and feel heard.
• Freedom from Want: Empowering individuals to escape material scarcity and focus on personal growth.
• Freedom from Fear: Providing a tranquil and natural environment that replaces anxiety with a sense of security and peace.
• Freedom to Worship: Building a welcoming community that embraces diverse spiritual practices and personal beliefs.

At Freedoms Purchase Ranch, we believe that true freedom comes from within a supportive community where every individual has the resources to thrive.

Rehabilitation Redefined: 
Freedom’s Purchase Ranch Offers Veterans a Unique Path to Wellness
Freedoms Purchase Ranch is a veteran-owned campground that offers a unique rehabilitation experience for veterans. It is a place where veterans can enjoy various outdoor activities, access various resources, and feel at home.
more about us

.

The pandemic era spelled a cascade of misfortunes for Mike Baird and his wife, who witnessed the loss of their home and a significant part of their possessions. Life recalibrated itself as the couple adapted to residing in their RV, finding temporary refuge in the quietude of a horse camp in Indiana.
It was during this time of great personal reflection and reinvention that Mike found inspiration in his friendship with Rich, known to many as “Doc,” a battle-tested war hero with a heart as expansive as his valor. Doc, who carried the merit of multiple tours and the weight of being 100% combat disabled, shared a bond with Mike that was built on mutual encouragement and the understanding of life’s profound challenges.
The strength and determination Doc exuded, despite his PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other lingering effects of service, motivated Mike to channel his own hardships into a larger vision. Driven by Doc’s spirit and resilience, Mike envisioned a place of community and connection – an idea that blossomed into Freedom’s Purchase Ranch.
Freedom’s Purchase Ranch was not merely a concept but a realization of Rich “Doc”’s inspiring influence on Mike. It aimed to be a sanctuary where camaraderie could flourish and the natural world could facilitate healing. With Doc as the catalyst, Mike brought to life this tranquil haven where veterans like Doc could encounter comfort, understanding, and rekindle the optimism often dimmed by the rigors of a soldier’s path.
Their vision is to create a campground that will provide a safe and welcoming environment for veterans, where they can build a supportive community and receive the necessary resources to aid their healing process. He has assembled a team of staff and volunteers who are also veterans or have experience working with veterans. He has also partnered with veteran-focused organizations and non-profits to provide additional resources and support.
As Mike Baird and his wife embraced a nomadic lifestyle in their RV amidst the challenges of the pandemic, they found solace at a horse camp in Indiana. During this period of quiet reflection, the resilience they exhibited was quietly mirrored by the endurance of friendships from years past. One such lasting bond was with “Doc,” a childhood friend of Mike’s, whose shared experiences and memories offered comfort and camaraderie during these changing times. As plans for a new project began to take root, Mike naturally thought of Rich, a friend whose insights and expertise made him the first choice for collaboration on this impending venture.
The fellowship between Mike and Doc, built on a shared understanding of adversity, planted the seed for a broader mission. Impressed by Doc’s resilience in coping with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and the other trials that come with being 100% combat disabled, Mike sought to transmute his own difficult circumstances into a vision of hope and solidarity for fellow veterans.
Unlike any traditional veterans’ retreat, Freedom’s Purchase Ranch is an uncharted venture that Mike, inspired by Doc’s courage, intends to establish—a place where healing and community are cultivated, and the peaceful solidarity offered by nature can provide restorative solace to its visitors.
Although the ranch has not yet acquired physical grounds, the foundational goal is to secure land and build strong alliances with veteran organizations, philanthropists, and compassionate investors who can share in the mission of creating a sanctuary for veterans. The purpose is clear: establishing a place where veterans can engage in healing, #CommunitySupport, and #NatureTherapy, building a supportive network akin to a close-knit unit in the field.
Mike’s commitment extends to actively seeking #StrategicPartnerships and resources to turn Freedom’s Purchase Ranch from concept to reality. As the project unfolds, it aims to serve as a testament to the resilience of veterans like Doc, assuring that their sacrifices are honored with a promise to support their journey to peace and reconnection within the community.