Programs
Support for Everybody
Monthly Support Meetings
Quality time matters, and having somebody to talk to that just gets it makes all the difference. That is why we host our monthly support group on the first Friday of every month. These nights are meant to bring people together, and we add fun themes to make it exciting for the kids. We have done themes like Jurassic Park, Minecraft, and more. Each month looks a little different with matching decorations, food, and activities.
These meetings are carefully planned with suicide prevention in mind. Before each one, our president and founder spends countless hours preparing every detail to create a welcoming atmosphere where people feel comfortable, supported, and able to just be themselves.
Research shows that veterans who stay connected and involved are less likely to die by suicide than those who are isolated, which is why creating these opportunities matters so much.
What makes our program unique is that we welcome current and former service members, individuals, and families. We also have our incredible therapy dog, Ellie, who brings comfort and joy to our guests.
Children's Program
Our children’s program is all about making every child feel seen, valued, and included, because our kids truly are the heart and soul of everything we do. When it is a child’s birthday month, they get to pick out a gift from our birthday table at our monthly meeting, and we make sure to celebrate them and sing Happy Birthday.
We like to make things fun at every meeting, with goodie bags and a variety of crafts and activities. Throughout the year, we plan special moments just for them. For Easter, we do an egg hunt and provide Easter baskets. In April, for Month of the Military Child, we hold an appreciation day at Smash Island Adventure Park with a day full of fun, food, and prizes. During the summer, we offer different activities at little to no cost, like outings to places such as Chuck E. Cheese and picnics at the park.
During our Night of Hope dinner, we host You Bee-Long for the kids, creating a space just for them while parents are able to focus on the evening. We celebrate Halloween with a fun egg hunt, and Christmas is always a highlight with our annual Grinch Christmas party that so many of our kids look forward to. We also provide coping baskets when a parent deploys, filled with things like art supplies, blankets, and stuffed animals to help children through that time apart.
While many programs focus only on children of active duty service members, we make sure to include the children of veterans too, because they matter just as much.
Women's Group
Our Women’s Group is for current and former service members, as well as spouses. To keep it a safe place for women, we do not allow men to attend.
Whether you are navigating life after service or simply looking for support, this group is a place where you can come as you are, talk openly, and be around others who understand where you are coming from. We have had several female veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma find comfort in being in a space where they feel safe and supported.
We meet monthly and do everything from tea parties to Bible study, workshop classes, and more. You do not have to be a member to attend Women’s Group.
Unfortunately, at this time we do not have a men’s group, but it is something we would love to offer as interest grows, because men’s mental health matters too.
Single Soldier Christmas
The holiday season can be especially lonely for single soldiers living in the barracks, far from family and loved ones. Our president and founder knows this feeling personally, as she spent the holidays alone while stationed overseas as a single soldier. Because of that, this program is something close to her heart.
Each year, we select a small group of soldiers at Fort Carson to receive gift baskets and a shared meal, whether that is lunch or dinner. Our goal is simple, to remind them they’re not alone. The baskets include items like gift cards, coffee, and mental health resources to offer some comfort during the holidays.
This also gives soldiers the opportunity to connect with families in the community who may open their homes for future holidays if they choose.
If you are a service member stationed at any military base in the Colorado Springs area and would like to be considered for this program with your battle buddies, or if you are a leader who has soldiers who could use some extra support, please reach out by email to our president, Sky Nelson. If you are a family who would like to “adopt a soldier” for the holidays, please reach out as well.
Christmas Blessing Basket
Every year, we bless a military family with a large, personalized gift basket. This could be a family who is struggling financially or one that could really use some holiday cheer. We tailor each basket to meet the specific needs of that family. We are so thankful to our friends at Jungle Bunnies for donating the adorable stuffed animal stockings that make this possible. If you know a military family who could benefit from this, please email our president, Sky Nelson.