Yesterday I learned for the first time about a wonderful cause led by a local family here in Chapin: Fidelis Family Retreat

I plan to meet with the family next month along with Representative Huggins and learn how we can help even more than what they’re doing currently for fundraising.

Thanks, Jim Broach, Lisa Harris and others for “sending the troops” my way!

From their website…

Mission Statement

At Fidelis Family Retreat, we are establishing a new way for veterans to successfully interact with their families as well as their community through recreational therapy. Fidelis Family Retreat on Lake Murray, SC provides a peaceful place for relaxation, community events and activities, as well as multiple land and water activities year round. Recreational therapy adds fun into the veterans’ life, helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and/or depression related to; mental and physical disabilities incurred during time in service as well as the transition from active duty to veteran life. The retreat creates an environment that allows for the veterans’ barriers to come down assisting them to reconnect with their family and friends, taking important steps towards mending relationships and strengthening bonds by creating opportunities for healthy interactions as well as creating new memories.

When you come to Fidelis Family Retreat, one of our staff will be available to discuss any areas in which you are struggling or need guidance. Based on the needs of the veteran, family members, or friends; our staff will compile a packet with resources, tips, and tricks specific to each veteran that will assist in strengthening relationships with family and friends, and reintegrating into their local community.

From May through August we offer: overnight camps and local community activities. From September through April we offer our local veteran community: hobby classes, events, in addition to a multitude of land and water activities.

Vision Statement

At Fidelis Family Retreat we feel that our approach will help our veterans feel more connected to their community and less alone in hopes of decreasing the number of veteran suicides. Helping to overcome the battle in their minds here at home.