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About At Ease
The At Ease Veterans Program at Lacawac Sanctuary is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of veterans and military personnel through immersive outdoor experiences. The program focuses on providing a safe and healing environment where veterans can connect with nature, engage in creative expression, and access mental health support tailored to their needs.

Key components of the program include:
  1. Outdoor Experiences: Activities such as nature walks, hiking, and environmental exploration, designed to promote relaxation and mental clarity.
  2. Creative Expression: Opportunities for veterans to participate in art and writing workshops, fostering personal reflection and expression.
  3. Mental Health Support: Collaborative partnerships with mental health professionals and local organizations to offer counseling, peer support, and resources tailored to veterans' needs.
The program aims to alleviate stress, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and improve the overall emotional and psychological well-being of veterans by utilizing the healing power of nature and community. Through these efforts, At Ease provides a sense of belonging and an opportunity for veterans to heal in a supportive and understanding environment.

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.

Programs and Activities

The Monthly Muster
The Monthly Muster is a dedicated educational discussion forum within Lacawac’s At Ease Program, designed to foster learning, connection, and support for veterans and active military personnel. Each month, the forum features expert-led discussions on topics relevant to military life, wellness, and personal growth.  Topics include mental health strategies, resilience-building, career transition, financial planning, and the healing power of nature. Participants engage in open conversations, share experiences, and gain valuable insights from professionals and peers in a welcoming, supportive environment.

2nd Saturdays at 10:00 am 

April 2025: Veterans Services Event at Lacawac
Lacawac Sanctuary is hosting a Veterans Services Event on Saturday, April 12, starting at 10 AM, to support veterans in navigating their benefits, claims, and available resources.

Warriors on the Trail
The Warriors on the Trail wellness walks, held biweekly, provide an opportunity to connect, heal, and recharge in nature. Led by medical and mental health professionals, these walks take participants through scenic trails while facilitating discussions on various wellness topics. 

3rd Saturdays at 10:00 am 
Guitars for Vets
Our weekly private guitar lessons are individually tailored. They’re designed to help Veterans learn at their own pace, while accommodating any physical and/or emotional challenges. After completing 10 lessons, each Veteran is presented with a new acoustic guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, strings, picks, method book and a certificate of completion

​Coming Soon! Stay tuned for more information.

Help support our At Ease Veteran Program.  Click the button below !
​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.

Generously Supported by: