Like many Veterans, I have carried myself fragmented, only presenting the pieces of me that did not challenge those around me – effectively hiding mind injuries of war, as a trade-off deepening my emotional wounds. At the Project New Hope retreat, all “pieces” of, the good ones, which are often praised, the bad ones, which I usually keep hidden in fear of reproach, were welcomed. Throughout a weekend, twelve individuals, with only one commonality, our military service, became a community. In health and resilience, USAF Veteran

Hi, my name is Mitchell. I am a busy aunt, mother, cat mom, and Veteran with PTSD. At first, I told myself I am too busy to attend Project New Hope’s retreat and my family needs me. Then I started to feel stress and my body and mind said, “you need to go to this retreat.” So, I went to the retreat and when I got to the Grotonwood campus, I instantly felt the tension in my body start to relax. I met individuals of like mind who accepted me as I am. I participated in Alternative Therapies and felt like I was on cloud nine after yoga, Acupuncture, and reiki. The Project New Hope retreat weekend dealt with my mind, body, and my soul. I just want to thank Donna, Anne, Bill, and Nick for giving me this time to relax and rejuvenate and learn more about managing my stress levels. I had a wonderful time and I have met the best Veterans here. I cannot wait until next year. Sincerely, Stress-free Mitchell

Extremely fun, met new people, and heard new experiences. Got into new therapy methods.

This is a fantastic experience, and I would like to volunteer for future events as a massage therapist.

This was my first time coming to the retreat and I found it more beneficial than checking myself into the hospital. I was treated as a person and not as a patient with all the alternatives to manage my stress instead of having medication down my throat. It was an honor to donate my deposit rather than get free care from the VA.

The retreat has been enlightening and relaxing. The presentations were well constructed, fun, and engaging.

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