OUR MISSION.
Our first Fall Retreat was facilitated by Front Line Foundations, a non-profit mindfulness program for veterans and first responders in southern Vermont. Is it our goal to provide retreats to veterans and first responders on an annual basis at Silver Bay YMCA in New York State, free of charge. The spiritual well-being of this population is often overlooked. A retreat format supports deep connection and healing among our participants. Developed around the ancient art of story-telling, our first Fall Retreat in November 2023 allowed for a deeply powerful and transformative experience.
“On a deeper level, the lake and surrounding mountains would contain the collective grief and trauma carried by those who serve.”
Front Line Foundations of North America, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Tax ID: 85-1189784
To donate by check, please make payable to "Front Line Foundations Silver Bay Retreat Fund" and mail to:
Front Line Foundations
1 Hospital Court, Suite 11
Bellows Falls, VT 05101
RETREAT TESTIMONIALS.
Together we walk this path of wellness, resiliency, and reclaiming our peace and joy.
THE HEALING POWER OF SILVER BAY.
“It was the first time in a long time that I felt an authentic spiritual experience at the same time as other people. I appreciated having to face myself as someone that others saw as performing heroic actions in my life, instead of being seen as a person who did not deserve recognition, hope, or healing.”
-Josh C.
“I am now a part of a community of people who can and do reach out to each other for support. This retreat helped me and it helped my family far more than I can explain.”
- Brian M.
“We ate together, laughed and cried together, and formed a bond of mutual respect and admiration for the courage it requires to be vulnerable. I returned with a deep sense of belonging and gratitude for the opportunity.”
Erika E.
“I hope this retreat can continue to happen for years to come. I know it will help so many people. My favorite memory was sitting on the boathouse porch next to Joe and Brian every morning drinking our coffee in silence watching the sunrise. In those moments it was like I was almost a kid again, these guys were the types of firemen I wanted to be like when I was little. They were the guys that were bigger than life to me when I was younger and they still are today. So to be able to say that I sat with them and watched the sunrise drinking coffee is something I will always cherish.”
- Ben S.
