Project Sanctuary: Healing Military Families

This charity helps active-duty members, veterans and their families through its therapeutic and recreational retreats and long-term support services. Project Sanctuary hosts both couples only and family therapeutic retreats. They're held from Fridays through Wednesdays in Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Texas and Washington State; the lodging depends on the location and type of retreat. They host roughly twenty per year, during which they provide a series of two-hour classes and activities suitable for all ages. All retreats are staffed with Project Sanctuary staff and volunteers, many of whom are military connected individuals; some have also completed a retreat themselves. Additionally, there are certified therapeutic recreational specialists (CTRSs) and licensed, professional counselors at each. They

encourage military connected families and couples to attend one family retreat and one couples retreat in a lifetime and wait a year in between retreats. The first two days the adult attendees participate in relationship-reset workshops to focus on communication building. They currently provide age-appropriate workshops for kids and teens. On the other days, workshops are led by licensed counselors, who discuss pursuing wellness and mental well-being. The retreats do include recreation scheduled around the workshops. For instance, in winter retreat, they might offer snowmobiling, tubing, or snowshoeing. In summer months they may spend time playing games, time in a pool, and fishing. They also provide activities that allow families to work as a team and collaborate. They would enjoy all their meals and recreation together. They only split families up for the workshops.

To participate: you can apply through their website, and they will set up a phone call to go over their application. They will then pair them with a retreat that closest to their home since they need to get themselves there. They cover the cost of their lodging, meals and all activities. Family support will continue to work with the families even after a retreat, typically for two years. If they need additional counseling, they can provide referrals to collaborating partner who can provide those services. They will do everything within their power to find a solution.

For more information, visit projectsanctuary.us