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About At Ease
Lacawac Sanctuary’s newest initiative, At Ease, is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans and military personnel in our community. Through this program, we intend to collaborate with local veteran organizations to connect with the military community, helping them build skills in creative expression and provide veterans with access to mental health support through outdoor experiences. Eligible individuals and their families will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of positive outdoor experiences designed to foster the overall well-being and resilience of participants. Leading this initiative is a retired Army veteran who has been employed by Lacawac since 2022. The At Ease program is open to veterans, current service members—including active duty, reserve, and National Guard—and all family members. Program Objectives * Provide PTSD support and aid in suicide prevention. * Alleviate stress and boost overall sense of purpose. * Foster connections and build a supportive community. * Increase time spent on positive outdoor activities. * Deepen participants connection to nature. |
Programs and Activities
Through the At Ease program, veterans, military personnel, and their families have the opportunity to participate in a variety of free monthly programs throughout the year. With the assistance of Lacawac’s environmental educators and local professionals such as artists, photographers, and yoga instructors, these programs are designed to provide enriching experiences in a supportive environment.
Offering something for everyone, our programs include:
Hiking - Fishing - Yoga - Gardening - Journaling - Guided Imagery - Photography - Visual Art
Through the At Ease program, veterans, military personnel, and their families have the opportunity to participate in a variety of free monthly programs throughout the year. With the assistance of Lacawac’s environmental educators and local professionals such as artists, photographers, and yoga instructors, these programs are designed to provide enriching experiences in a supportive environment.
Offering something for everyone, our programs include:
Hiking - Fishing - Yoga - Gardening - Journaling - Guided Imagery - Photography - Visual Art
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A Legacy of Service
Lacawac Sanctuary is committed to supporting those who have served through the At Ease program, reflecting on our own history and ties to military service. The Watres family, a prominent part of our history, has notable military backgrounds. Colonel Louis A. Watres, who acquired the property served as a colonel in the National Guard during the Spanish-American War. Additionally, his grandson and founder of Lacawac Sanctuary, Arthur Watres, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Japanese interpreter. For many years the Watres family used Lacawac as both a summer retreat and a home where they connected with the beauty of the land. Inspired by the Watres legacy, we are dedicated to extending this connection with nature and the outdoors to those who have served. |
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