March 19, 2024

Veterans sought for May 20-22 retreat

New York organization coming to Christian Conference Center

A nonprofit is looking for military veterans from Jasper County who want to attend a special May 20-22 retreat.

The Military Resilience Project, which is based in New York City, has hosted several rural retreats that feature therapeutic activities for veterans. One of the project’s next events will be its first such venture in Iowa when three of its staff members come to the Christian Conference Center south of Newton for the retreat.

The project is seeking 14 Jasper County veterans who would like to participate in the retreat. Aynisa Leonardo, the co-founder of the Military Resilience Project, wants veterans who are interested in holistic work and reflective exercises to contact her to help decide if the retreat is the right fit for them.

There is no charge to veterans to attend the retreat. It is being paid for by the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Department. There is a $30 deposit to hold a spot, but that money will be returned after the retreat.

“Our screening is more of self-selection process,” Leonardo said. “Usually, once we start describing some of the activities of the weekend, vets know if it’s something that would benefit them. About 90 percent of those who call us will be eligible.”

The screening also involves physical mobility questions, she said, as a boat tour and a nature hike are examples of the kinds of activities that might be scheduled on the retreat. Veterans will also assist with an on-site service project to help offset the cost of renting the Christian Conference Center.

Jasper County Veterans Affairs Director Chris Chartier and members of the county’s veterans affairs commission discussed holding the retreat early last fall, but plans didn’t come together quickly enough.

Leonardo, who has a master’s degree in creative art therapy, acknowledged some casual observers might think activities such fire-pit exercises might not appeal to some veterans. However, the experience she and other staff members have had with their recent retreats has shown them veterans are often open-minded to the wide variety of therapeutic activities, such as meditation, journaling, qigong (similar to yoga) and art projects often available at these types of retreats.

“We’ve had some as young as 19, and as old as 68,” Leonardo said. “We’ve had Vietnam veterans and people from all sorts of military backgrounds, and many have said it was an amazing experience.”

Chartier said he would reach out to local American Legion posts and other organizations to find out if there are veterans interested in the retreat.

“The entire focus is to get these vets socializing with each other,” Chartier said.

Veterans interested can contact Leonardo at 646-599-0577 or aleonardo@milresilience.com. Chartier can also answer some questions about the retreat: 641-792-7993 or va@co.jasper.ia.us.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com