2021 ANNUAL REPORT

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Dear Trails of Purpose Team Members, Participants, and Supporters,

There is only one word that summarizes 2021 for Trails of Purpose; "abundance". I find myself in reflection on what a year of massive growth the organization has experienced. In our second full year of operation, Trails of Purpose has tripled its service capacity. I am overcome with pride by our staff, contractors, Board of Directors, volunteers, and participants. Last year I watched this team rise to the occasion of fighting to maintain community and program operation through the pandemic. This year I watched this team navigate growing pains with confidence and endurance. 

Trails of Purpose began 2021 riding on a down swing from the difficulties of COVID19 effects. Limited operations and funding caused some inconsistencies through last year, but that came to a full halt in Spring of 2021. It was then that Trails of Purpose gained free leased access to a 15 acre property in Hickory, Chesapeake. Staffed counselors began operating individual, and family sessions out of that property 5 days a week. Our program continues to partner graciously with the kind executives at LZ Grace Warrior Retreat and Foundation for our weekly community group therapy sessions. 

In the Summer months, we offered retreat days throughout for several different military demographics. Some of them being the USO Warrior Summer Experience, and Mommy and Me days at the farm, as well as, hosting local commands. 

By the Fall of 2021, we were granted a fund to hire another mental health counselor to cut down on our consistent wait list time of 8-10 weeks. Our newest Counselors are adjusting well and assisting in diminishing those wait times. Also in the Fall season, we proudly partnered with Safe Harbor Recovery center to provide group therapy sessions twice a week for their Veteran residents. In September, we partnered with a local church, Wave Church, to provide free twice weekly physical fitness community classes for military spouses. Lastly, we began a working relationship with the USSOCOM Warrior Care Coalition by providing fellowship programs for their service members transitioning out of the military. 

We are as always, so grateful for our corporate/foundation financial partners: Operation Hat Trick, SEVACF, LEEPS, HRCF, Leandro Rizzuto Foundation, Veterans United Foundation, Wave Church, and Newport News Shipbuilding Veteran Organization. Lastly, I want to thank the extensive amount of individual donors who have kept our mission powered strong throughout the year. Absolutely none of what we do is possible without you.

Somedays, as the President of Trails of Purpose, I really feel these growing pains. I wonder how we can keep up with the demands while still being a grassroots program with only 4 paid team members. Then, I take a walk around the facility and I experience peace. I finish a session and hear of a client’s incredible breakthrough in their lives that was fostered by Trails of Purpose. I am shocked back to reality that the growing pains are a result of God's abundance through our mission. I am humbled every day to be a part of this organization. Trails of Purpose is spreading healing in our community- I know it is for me.