Interview with Kaycie Taylor
Photos courtesy of Project Sanctuary 

Military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones can face a variety of stressors, such as unemployment, addiction, and depression, that can significantly test familial relationships.

Kaycie Taylor, director of family support for Project Sanctuary, discusses how the charity helps active-duty members, veterans, and their families through its therapeutic and recreational retreats and long-term support services.

Tell us about Project Sanctuary’s retreats:
Project Sanctuary hosts both couples-only and family therapeutic retreats. They’re held from Fridays through Wednesdays in Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Texas, and Washington State; the lodging depends on the location and type of retreat. We host roughly twenty per year, during which we provide a series of two-hour classes and activities suitable for all ages. All retreats are staffed with Project Sanctuary staff and volunteers, many of whom are military-connected individuals; some have also completed a retreat themselves. Additionally, there are certified therapeutic recreational specialists (CTRSs) and licensed, professional counselors at each. We encourage military-connected families and couples to attend one family retreat and one couples retreat in a lifetime and wait a year between retreats.

Who does Project Sanctuary serve, and how?
We assist anyone who is military connected—veterans, activeduty members, their caregivers, and family. Our Family Support department is led by licensed staff members, and before and after our retreats, they will make referrals for care, provide crisis support, and help families explore short- and long-term goals and navigate resources.

What types of classes are offered at the retreats?
For the first two days, adult attendees participate in relationship-reset workshops to focus on communication building. We concurrently provide age-appropriate workshops for kids and teens. On the other days, workshops are led by licensed counselors, who discuss pursuing wellness and mental well-being.

Do the retreats also include recreation?
Yes; recreational activities are created by the CTRSs. Often, the recreation is scheduled around the workshops. For instance, at a winter retreat, we might offer snowmobiling, tubing, or snowshoeing. I participated in a family retreat at St. Simons Island, Georgia, not far from Savannah. My family and I played games, spent time in the pool, and fished off the pier—that was my favorite part. The activities allow families to work as a team and collaborate. They enjoy all their meals and recreation together; we only split families up for the workshops.

How can a family participate in a retreat?
They can apply through our website, and we’ll set up a phone call to go over their application. We will then pair them with a retreat that’s closest to their home since they need to get themselves there. We cover the cost of their lodging, meals, and activities.

What kind of long-term support does Project Sanctuary provide?
Family Support continues to work with the families even after a retreat, typically for two years—we’re here if they need us. For instance, if they require additional counseling, we can provide referrals to collaborating partners who can provide those services. We’ll do everything within our power to find a solution.

For more info, visit projectsanctuary.us