Our Facility

The Facility

Guardian Hills

The Guardian Hills Veterans Healing Center campus is on 28 acres in Shibleys Point, located in the heart of Northeast Missouri’s Green Hills Region 17 miles northwest of Kirksville.

The site previously served as a working farm and the facility structures and campus layout have been designed to honor this past. An existing barn, constructed from white oak beams milled on the property, has been renovated and repurposed into the central dining and social center.

A chicken coop has been rebuilt into an art and self-expression building. New construction includes three 4 bedroom/4 bath residential cabins, a 12,000 square foot multi-purpose indoor arena, a labyrinth, nine-hole disc golf course and an outdoor fireplace.

A central drive allows for ease of pedestrian or wheeled travel between the campus features. ADA accessibility is maintained throughout all structures. Multiple indoor and outdoor locations are provided throughout the campus to provide comfortable venues for both group activities, as well as private discussions, with staff members.

THE DINING BARN

The dining barn serves as the center for meals and social activities. The interior utilizes both salvaged and new materials to give a vintage barn ambiance with modern comforts. Antique tools and items found in the barn are displayed on the walls. All meals are taken together as a group, emphasizing healthy foods and eating habits as well comradery.

THE CHICKEN COOP

Relocated and reconstructed with a modern interior, the 640 square foot chicken coop is the Guardian Hills art/self-expression classroom and workshop. Participants have both scheduled and elective access to engage in curriculum projects, selecting from a wide range of materials, mediums and supplies. These activities can be a source of significant healing.

CABINS

Each of the three cabins have 4 bedrooms with accompanying private ADA bathrooms. The cabins are named for a core principle emphasized throughout the retreat. “Honesty” and “Kindness” house the participants and “Integrity” is home to the staff members.

Each cabin has a central common room with a sofa, chair, microwave, mini-refrigerator and sink. Healthy snacks and beverages, as well as a stocked Keurig, provide light refreshments between the group mealtimes. Outdoor seating at each cabin provide opportunities to experience the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

ARENA

With a total of 12,000 enclosed square feet under roof, the arena is a true multipurpose facility.

The Horse Inspired Growth and Healing (HIGH) and archery modules take place in the 9,000 square foot working arena which features a composite footing to minimize dust and provide a soft yet stable surface conducive to a wide range of ambulatory needs. In the event of inclement weather, many outdoor activities can be relocated indoors. Five stalls serve to shelter the horses for the times the animals are not engaged in activities.

A comfortable, climate-controlled classroom serves as the venue for yoga, self-awareness, Food as Medicine and genogram studies. As in all of the buildings, there is a modern ADA restroom.

LABYRINTH

The labyrinth is at the highpoint of the campus with commanding views of the facility and adjoining hills and valleys further inspiring the introspection central to this key retreat component. A flat design facilitates wheelchair and prosthetic access, so that all Guardians can participate without significant restrictions.

DISC GOLF COURSE

A nine-hole disc golf course allows for both introduction and enjoyment of this sport. Key life lessons are integrated and learned during participation. Several stations are situated for those with ambulatory restrictions.

Outdoor Fireplace

Each evening concludes with staff and the Guardian participants gathered around the stone fireplace for discussion of the day’s experiences and an informal After Action Report (AAR). The surrounding natural setting, as well as the sights, sounds and smells of the fire, encourage honest and enlightening conversation and sharing. Live music is integral to some of the evening discussions.

Retreat In The Midwest

Guardian Hills

Similar facilities currently exist which have successfully utilized outdoor and retreat centered programs for veterans but few are in the Midwest. By providing a comprehensive facility in relatively close driving proximity to St Louis/Columbia/Kansas City, as well as population and academic centers in Iowa/Illinois/Nebraska/Kansas, travel costs for both staff and residents can be minimized while providing a facility for large veteran demographic regions.

Our Facility

The Facility

Guardian Hills

THE DINING BARN

THE CHICKEN COOP

CABINS

ARENA

LABYRINTH

DISC GOLF COURSE

Outdoor Fireplace

Retreat In The Midwest

Guardian Hills

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Guardian Hills Veterans Healing Center Brick Fundraiser