Project Sanctuary Receives $1 Million Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.
Project Sanctuary – a nonprofit organization working to heal military and veteran families – received a $1million, multi-year grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Understanding that one person’s military service can take a high toll on the entire family, Project Sanctuary is one of the only nonprofits serving veterans, spouses, caregivers and children as a family unit. The organization works to reconnect families, restore hope and change lives through free therapeutic retreats and long-term family support services.
Veterans and service members often struggle to transition back into civilian life after deployment and as a result can face critical issues such as unemployment, mental health struggles, financial instability, marital discord or volatile home lives. Project Sanctuary’s programing works to heal the traumatic effects of military service, treating each member of the family at their individual level of need.
“Too often military families are left fighting silent battles alone because they are ashamed of the struggles they face or simply don’t know where to turn for help,” said businessman and Marine Corps Veteran Bob Parsons. “Project Sanctuary is a game-changer for these families, providing hope and resources needed to overcome obstacles and restore a family’s connection.”
Project Sanctuary programs include:
- Therapeutic sessions designed specifically for children and teens
- Medical referrals to ensure veterans are properly diagnosed and receive long-term treatment when necessary
- Educational programs focused on things like relationships and communication, how to live with PTSD, financial literacy and ongoing access to higher education opportunities
- Homelessness prevention that provides emergency funds to prevent evictions and works with local resources to keep military families in their homes
“The families we serve have one very courageous thing in common, they are ready to take the first steps towards healing and create a better life for themselves and their children,” said Project Sanctuary CEO Heather Ehle. “Thanks to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, we will be able to expand programming and nearly double our capacity to reach even more families in need.”
Since 2017, Project Sanctuary has worked to bring hope and transformation to more than 2,600 families. With this additional funding, Project Sanctuary expects to serve 400 new families a year through its retreats and an additional 4,000 families with outreach programs, family support services and resource weekends.
“Military families face unique struggles both during times of deployment and once their loved ones return home,” said businesswoman Renee Parsons. “Project Sanctuary is helping service members and their families reconnect while learning how to live healthy and sustainable lives.” Project Sanctuary works to facilitate family and individual healing and provides long-term, comprehensive support to the people it serves. In addition to the retreats – which provide opportunities for reconnection, learning and healing – the organization offers ongoing counseling, job placement assistance and emergency financial aid. Currently, Project Sanctuary hosts therapeutic retreats in eight states across the country. Retreats are open to active duty service members and veterans of all branches of the military and all types of families, including single individuals and the LGBTQ+ community. To learn more, visit projectsanctuary.us.