Sweet 16: Project Sanctuary Celebrates a Legacy of Healing
On September 27, 2007, something incredible was born. Not a person, not an invention, but an idea—an idea that would go on to transform countless lives and offer hope where it was desperately needed. It's hard to believe that Project Sanctuary, the beacon of hope for military families in search of healing, is now celebrating its Sweet 16 birthday. As we reflect on this journey, let's take a trip down memory lane and see how this grassroots initiative has evolved into a force for good, not just for today but for generations to come.
Beginnings: From Grassroots to Greatness
In those early years, Project Sanctuary was a labor of love, a grassroots effort with a mission to support service members, veterans and their families. We were pioneers, navigating uncharted terrain with nothing but our determination and a burning desire to make a difference. Our roots were firmly planted in the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, where we hosted our first retreats.
We didn't have an endless budget or a team of experts at our disposal. No, our best friend was Google, as we asked questions like, "How to write a grant?" or "What is a 990?" There were highs, moments of triumph, and lows, moments of uncertainty, but our North Star remained unwavering—Families First, Mission Focused.
The Journey of Healing
Fast forward to today, as we stand on the cusp of our 16th year. Project Sanctuary has grown into a symbol of hope and healing for military families. We've assembled a professional therapeutic team dedicated to providing support that is as unwavering as the support these families give to their country.
We've come a long way, hosting an impressive 285 retreats and touching the lives of over 2200 families. These were families brave enough to reach out for help, who trusted our healing process. The evidence of our success lies in our validated surveys, metrics, and outcomes, which not only secure funding but also highlight the power of healing within a family.
One remarkable testament to our impact is the return of one of our youth participants. Now an adult, she returned to the program with her military spouse. She knows that Project Sanctuary is not just a program; it's a sanctuary—a safe place for healing. Our journey has been filled with highs and lows, but it's reassuring to see that the highs are becoming more frequent as we touch more lives and change more futures.
Looking to the Future: A Bold Birthday Wish
As we celebrate our Sweet 16, we're making a big birthday wish. We're asking for an opportunity to secure Project Sanctuary's future for the next 100 years. We have been quietly working on this for some time and we have a very unique opportunity in front of us to purchase a retreat center in Pagosa Springs, CO, so that our military families will always have a place for hope and healing. Learn more here: https://projectsanctuary.us/capital-campaign/
Our military continues to deploy, and their well-being is essential for our country. Families need healing today, and they will need it in the future. Our commitment to "Families First, Mission Focused" remains as strong as ever.
So, as we blow out the candles on our 16th birthday cake, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you're a volunteer, a supporter, or simply someone who believes in the power of healing, your involvement can help Project Sanctuary continue to be a beacon of hope for generations of military families to come.
Happy Sweet 16, Project Sanctuary! Here's to 16 years of healing, and to the bright future ahead. Together, we can ensure that families always come first, and our mission continues to bring positive, healthy change to at-risk military families. Cheers to a brighter tomorrow! 🎂🎉🌟
