EMILY EMMONS Ho`ōla Veteran Services

From Personal Struggles to Community Triumphs: The Journey of Emily Emmons and Hoʻōla Farms

Emily Emmons' path to entrepreneurship was shaped by her personal life and professional endeavors. With a background in marketing, sales, and veteran advocacy, she witnessed the transformative effects of gardening on her husband John, a military veteran grappling with traumatic brain injury and PTSD. This personal revelation inspired the creation of Hoʻōla Farms, a project aimed at extending these therapeutic benefits to other veterans in need

"The idea for Hoʻōla Farms began with the Victory Gardens for Veterans program," Emmons recalls. "We started by delivering free garden beds and plant starts to veterans and their families The positive outcomes were undeniable, and we quickly saw the potential for broader impact."

This early success led to further developments, including the Growing Veterans program funded by the USDA's Enhancing Agricultural Opportunities for Military Veterans (AGVETS) Grant. Emmons and her team recognized the need for more agribusiness opportunities and expanded their efforts to include the Groundwork to Grow program and the Hawai’i Farm-to-Car initiative.

Influences and Mentorship

Emmons' entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by several key mentors. Senator Elizabeth Dole, founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, has been a significant influence "Senator Dole taught me the importance of valuing every story and the power of a collective voice," Emmons says. "Her leadership and empathy have been a guiding light in my work with veterans "

Dr. Jamie Muskopf from The Rosie Network also played a crucial role in Emmons' professional growth "Dr Muskopf has been instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of nonprofit work and has provided invaluable guidance throughout my journey."

Mission and Milestones

The core mission of Hoʻōla Farms is to strengthen the local food system through education, commercial kitchen access, and an online farmers market This vision has been realized through various programs aimed at supporting local farmers and veterans alike. Emmons is particularly proud of the 2023 Impact Report, which highlights nearly a decade of work and celebrates the collective achievements of her team and volunteers

"Our 2023 Impact Report is a testament to the incredible work we’ve done," Emmons shares. "It captures not just the progress of the past year but the culmination of nearly ten years of dedication and growth "

Overcoming Challenges and Defining Success

Starting a business is never without its challenges, and Emmons faced her share. As a woman-owned Executive Director, securing funding on par with male-run organizations proved difficult. Emmons overcame this challenge by focusing on federal grants and seeking support from foundations and corporations

For Emmons, success is defined by the ability to support local farmers and create a more resilient food system. Looking ahead, she aims to expand the reach of Hoʻōla Farms to other islands, military bases, and Veteran Administration locations across the country. "Our vision is to continue growing and making a lasting impact," she says.

Lessons and Legacy

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Emmons has learned the value of focused dedication.

"Identifying where you can make the most significant impact and committing to that focus is crucial," she advises. "Opportunities will always arise, but spreading yourself too thin can dilute your efforts."

Emmons remains motivated by the mission of Hoʻōla Farms and the positive changes it brings to veterans and the community. She embraces setbacks as learning opportunities and celebrates small victories along the way Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: "Nothing happens overnight. Every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow."

Looking Forward

As Emmons reflects on her journey, she remains grateful for every challenge and opportunity. "I'm thankful for every step along the way," she says. "These experiences have allowed me to grow personally and professionally in ways I could never have imagined."

Through her work with Hoʻōla Farms, Emily Emmons hopes to leave a lasting legacy of sustainability and community empowerment. "We are the ones we’ve been waiting for," she asserts. "The impossible is possible through gratitude."

Emmons acknowledges the vital role of her family and team in making her vision a reality. "Never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world," she quotes, nodding to Margaret Mead’s famous words "It’s true now more than ever."

For more information about Hoʻōla Farms and their initiatives, visit their website or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram www.hoolafarms.org https://www.facebook.com/hoolafarms https://www instagram com/hoola farms