Emily Emmons, along with her husband John, has dedicated her life to supporting Veterans, first responders, caregivers, and community members through Hoʻōla Farms, a non-profit organization based in Hilo, Hawai‘i. Founded in 2015, Ho‘ōla focuses on healing, growth, and community-building through hands-on agricultural education, food access initiatives, and wellness programs.
The name Hoʻōla, meaning “to give life” or “to heal” in Hawaiian, reflects Emily’s personal journey as a caregiver for her husband, a former elementary school teacher and Iraq war veteran. After years of struggling to readjust to civilian life, John was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Emily, like many caregivers, felt unseen and overwhelmed, taking on the role without guidance or support. It wasn’t until she joined the VA Caregiver Support Program that she found the strength to embrace her role and advocate for her family.
As a Dole Caregiver Fellow, Emily connected with fellow caregivers and policymakers in Washington, D.C., sharing her family’s story and advocating for caregiver needs. Upon returning to Hawai‘i, she and John started a small garden in their backyard, which eventually evolved into Hoʻōla Farms. The organization’s mission is to build community through agricultural education and experiences, offering workshops and training programs in diverse agricultural practices.
Hoʻōla Farms’ signature initiative, Victory Gardens for Veterans, equips participants with the tools and knowledge to grow their own food at home. Research has shown that agricultural activities can support veteran reintegration and improve mental and physical health outcomes. Hoʻōla also provides business development courses and operates an agribusiness incubator, the Hilo Food Hub, to support farmers in launching or expanding their businesses.
What sets Hoʻōla Farms apart is their intentional support for caregivers, who often face unique challenges and lack access to resources. By bringing caregivers and veterans together in agricultural activities, Hoʻōla creates a supportive community that fosters healing and growth. The organization’s model can be replicated in other communities to support the wellbeing of veterans and caregivers across the United States.
Emily and John have recently relocated to Santa Monica, CA, where they hope to expand Hoʻōla’s mission and reach more veterans and caregivers in need of support. Through their work, they aim to bring healing through agriculture to the thousands of individuals who have served their country.
To learn more about Emily and Hoʻōla Farms, visit their website at hoolafarms.org. The Well Beings Blog supports the health and wellbeing of individuals and aims to reduce stigma and discrimination in mental health. For more information on the Well Beings campaign, visit wellbeings.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for support.
