EXCITING NEWS! Just three months ago we announced Protected Harbor’s ambitious goals for 2022 and beyond. We desire to expand to meet and serve as many persons with developmental disabilities as possible. Now a major step towards achieving those goals has become reality. You may have seen mention of the great Trailways Camps experience our Protected Harbor family had last October. That experience inspired the founders of Trailways Camps, Jerry and Sharon Miller, to explore a partnership with Protected Harbor as they propel Trailways forward.
To honor the memory of their two sons, the Robert V. & Benjamin G. Miller Fund was established to develop and provide camping experiences for adults with special needs and respite for their caregivers. Campers thrive on having fun, making friends, and getting support while parents and caregivers can rest, relax, and enjoy some time for themselves.
While maintaining our core mission to provide residential and community-based programs, as well as, support services enhanced with Christian care, the camp partnership provides Respite Services for families while offering a fun and exciting way to reach and meet new persons.
Last month, Protected Harbor completed the first partnership camp with Trailways. Many campers had experienced Trailways before, but this was their first introduction to Protected Harbor. They enjoyed horseback riding, canoeing, archery, team building, and much, much more. The smiles could not be contained!
An integral part of our camp partnership is the inclusion of worship sessions, allowing our campers to build deeper connections with new friends and with God. This is an opportunity to celebrate that God made us all special, despite differences, just the way we are.
The partnership with Trailways Camp benefits not only the campers but the staff and many volunteers as well. By bringing everyone to a beautiful location away from daily routines and into new experiences, new smiles are created. The campers’ families also receive the benefit of much-needed respite time, allowing them to refresh and recharge with the knowledge their loved ones are being cared for.
We are committed to continuing our trajectory of growth. We hope to continue this wonderful partnership outreach for years to come. To help us achieve this and all of our ambitious goals we gratefully acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the help of you, our prayer and financial partners. It is with your continued support in our ministry that we can reach out to the many families in Southwest Florida who seek help for their special loved ones.