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TOGETHER WE HEAL... the motto here at House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat. Whether we're having coffee at the lodge, ice fishing in Lee, Maine, gator hunting in Florida, or Sturgeon Spearing in Wisconsin, there's one thing that all of our retreat have in common and that's not the animals... HEALING is happening. Behind every face, every smile, every veteran - there's a story. That story is unique and special, and understood best by other veterans. It is our pleasure, duty, and honor to make it possible for our veterans to come together, share time in the outdoors for healing and camaraderie. Here you'll see the first leg of our Florida retreat, fishing off Pompano Beach, Florida thanks to our very generous Veteran host Aaron, and his beautiful wife Vanessa. Thanks to generous donors and hosts like Aaron, healing is possible. Enjoy a sneek peak into our Florida retreat, and be on the lookout for pictures and videos of something a little more toothy to come... #Veterans #americanheroes #givingback #houseinthewoodsmilitaryfamilyretreat #togetherweheal #healing #outdoors #getoutdoors

Girl scout Troop#1470 of Lincoln has been working towards their Silver Pin, which involved volunteering their time with House in the Woods on a very special project. The photos here capture just one portion of their project, a sign with Sgt. Joel A. House’s photo on it and a poem, which will stand next to Joel’s bench on the House in the Woods walking trail. This sign represents the fact that although Joel made the ultimate sacrifice for his country back on June 23, 2007, he is always with us in spirit and here to help guide the families that come and take rest on his bench. If you would like to, come visit us at House in the Woods, visit Joel’s bench, and see for yourself. The sign isn’t up quite yet, as the ground is not quite thawed but we’ll share the poem with you here, and you can visit when the weather warms up. “A MOMENT WITH JOEL” Sit with me a moment friend, And see a brighter way. Breath in the fresh air And reflect upon the day. Leave with me your struggles, Take with you only peace. Sadness, anger, guilt, and shame, Now can be released. You may kneel unto this bench for strength, Or look up and warm your face. There’s only peace here my friend, You’re in a safe place. I’ll be here for you until next time, Just know you’re never alone. Visit me again soon, At your Home Away from Home. Thank you, Maddy Stewart & Norma Priest, for assisting these young women not only through this project, which we hold near and dear to our hearts, but for sharing your own time and talents, being a great example of what it means to be selfless and Giving Back to others. You’re both amazing examples for these young women. In addition to several other signs marking the path on our walking trail the girls made a monetary donation of the funds raised. Thank you, ladies, for your continued support of our military men and women, to whom we owe all that we can give, for their service and sacrifice. What you’re doing may seem small in the big picture, but you are truly Saving Lives. We all do our part and you’re making a BIG difference. For more information about House in the Woods and how you can Give Back: Contact Angie Gade 920-517-6749 Angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org

T rev and Steve have a passion for the outdoors and visiting amazing places. Trevor and Steve also have a passion for drive comes from sharing experiences in the outdoors with like-minded people. This episode hits close to home for Steve, as an 8 year Army combat veteran. Listen in as these 3 chat about the outdoors, about Giving Back, and about how helping veterans Saves Lives. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gTSHmektlKTrZcOjqScx7?si=XDJN82T0Qg69mVkVV2CGEQ

THANK YOU neighbors… Thanks to each and every one of the members of this amazing community of giving individuals. Whether or not we were selected, having an opportunity to meet so many great people, and share the mission of House in the Woods, is an amazing enough opportunity for us and for the community. Veterans, Gold Star families and active duty men and women will benefit beyond measure from this donation. We look forward to seeing you again in June when we share our plans for your generous donations. For those who are not familiar with this group… please check out 100 Neighbors Who Care of Penobscot County. These folks are truly saving lives right along side of House in the Woods and so many other deserving organizations helping those in our community. Special thank you to Frank Roy for the nomination

STAY TUNED!! Turbo spends a lot of time giving love to veterans, visitors, volunteers, and tracking folk over the course of the year. And because of that you'll often hear people say: "TURBO IS MY BEST FRIEND" In 2022 we'll roll out a line of products with, you guessed it, TURBO, front and center and a way that you can have a little bit of Turbo's love with you each and every day. Because lets face it, we just want more and more of that sweet little face. Don't let him fool you, there's a rugged animal tracking beast in there! If you'd like to be notified when this new line of products is available, type YES in the comments below and we'll keep you in the know! #turbothetrackingdog #allyouneedisloveandatrackingdog #houseinthewoodsmilitaryretr

2021 END OF YEAR LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAUL HOUSE If you’re anything like us, the new year is a wonderful time to reflect on the successes of the past year and look forward to what’s to come. You have contributed so much to our success this past year and we want to share encouraging news from the work you’ve made possible leading up to, and in 2021! The most exciting news is the number of lives you’ve changed thanks to sharing your time and talents. To date, House in the Woods retreats has hosted over 1700 veterans, and looking forward to that number growing in 2022 to over 1800 veterans, active-duty military & gold-star family members. This number is just an estimate as it doesn’t account for the monthly coffee with veterans and also community-based events which are open to the general public. It’s difficult to gauge the number of veterans’ lives that are impacted by the mission. The impact could mean something as simple as you are reading this paper today, then finding a way to go out and help veterans in a meaningful way tomorrow. That’s IMPACT, that’s CONNECTION, and we certainly desire our impact to be growing in an immeasurable way. 2022 brings with it not only 4 brand new retreats to our program, but the addition of several summer veteran “meet up” opportunities, making way to greater opportunities for veterans to gather together and once again feel that camaraderie they need so deeply and deserve. Paul House, Executive Director of House in the Woods had this to say about the state of the mission and adding retreats, “As we grow we’re going to be able to reach more veterans, not only in the US but in the world. It’s helping not just to inspire veterans and volunteers, but other organizations. Adding retreats brings on more responsibility, but it’s going to get more people involved locally and across the country. For myself, it makes me more aware of the good work being done, and to work even harder to do the right thing. It’s very inspirational for me, and I’m sure for others, to see how it changes lives. We’re also focused on promoting others that are helping veterans, and connecting them with the resources available.” If you know Paul there are usually snacks involved so it’s only fitting that there be a food reference, “ Helping others is like eating popcorn, you start with just one bite. Once you realize how good it is you just want more and more, and that’s what’s happening here.” Paul goes on to say, “The mission is reaching people far beyond my expectations. God and faith have been at the forefront, and he always has been. When you see miracles and good things happening you know that it’s God, because it’s certainly something I can’t do. God changes people’s hearts minds, souls, and life in general. We never miss an opportunity to talk about our faith and about how God is behind the House in the Woods mission. He’s our inspiration and he’s the one that makes things happen. Put others first before yourself, it’s a biblical principle. For us, that’s a big thing in our lives, and our family’s life and we want that for others.” Throughout 2021, you have helped host 70 veterans on scheduled outdoor retreats, while helping countless more through the monthly Coffee with Veterans programs rolled out this year, and other community events hosted at the House in the Woods lodge. We’ve always known that the power of connection was strong, but this monthly gathering has proven it once again. Paul had this to say about the addition of Coffee with Veterans, “I think it’s a great way to bring veterans together. They feel relaxed, surrounded by like-minded people, and it’s become something steadfast, they can look forward to monthly. This is a simple way they can get involved with House in the Woods, sending a message they have a place to come and feel safe. It might even challenge and inspire people around us to do more for veterans. Such a simple thing to have coffee has made a difference in the lives of the veterans and volunteers attending. It’s a great way to share time with folks who may not have many others in their lives to spend time with.” We were excited to add our house blend of coffee to our fundraising efforts in 2021. TURBO BOOST is so fitting. Turbo, our tracking dog, is right on the label. Turbo has long been known as our mascot and therapy dog for veterans, and he has become a critical component of our team. TURBO BOOST is available in stores, the lodge, and we’re working to spread it all over the country. It’s a great way to spread the word about the mission, while also encouraging people to share this time with veterans in their own homes and businesses.” Paul is appreciative of the great support received, “The support that we’ve had in the past has enabled us to do what we’re doing now, building a great foundation to build on. With more supporters and donors coming forward we’re able to do more and reach more veterans, active-duty, and gold-star families. The gratitude we feel to our supporters is an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness. Your belief in our mission not only makes it possible to move forward another day, but it inspires us and reinforces that what we’re doing is right and we’re saving lives. Supporting House in the Woods doesn’t just change the veterans, and our team, it also changes the supporters themselves. We’ve implemented a process by which we connect our retreat sponsors directly with the veterans they are sponsoring, giving them deeper insight and into not only how and why we’re doing what we’re doing but what our veterans go through, what it means to have the support from their community, and the impact the retreats have on them. When supporters see, hear and feel the impact, it gives them a firsthand look at how they are SAVING LIVES.” In this celebratory time of the New Year, we look back upon 2021 with gratitude for you and the difference you’ve made in the lives of our American Heroes. We’re excited to see how we, with you by our side, can change lives for the better in 2022! Serving together, Paul House Executive Director House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat TOGETHER WE HEAL

It's a Christmas Miracle! An anonymous donor has come forward, donating $1.4 million, the balance due on the House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat lodge located in Lee, Maine. LEE, Maine, Dec. 28, 2021 -- This generous donation brings House in the Woods one step closer to ensuring that this critical resource is here for our American Heroes for generations to come, offering veterans, active duty, and gold star families a Home Away from Home for healing and camaraderie! House in the Woods Mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation's U.S. armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation's freedom and democratic ideals. “Thank you not only to our Christmas donor, but to veterans, supporters, and volunteers, for your dedication to the House in the Woods mission. The healing happening at House in the Woods simply would not be possible without you!” says Paul House, Executive Director. Though this donation comes in year 11 of this organization holding its 501(c)3 status, this is just another beginning. Going into 2022 without a debt payment on the lodge means focusing solely on growing retreats and opportunities, serving more veterans. Now all fundraising efforts can be directed to sponsoring new veterans, providing an experience for them at a House in the Woods retreat. The most important part about the outdoor retreats is the healing that happens when veterans are surrounded by those who love them and appreciate them the most. Paul had this to say about 2021, “Looking back on 2021, what would you see?” Paul continues, “We see veterans gathering, sharing in experiences that save lives, a country coming together to support American Heroes, feeding not only their bodies but their minds and souls. We see volunteers giving of themselves in a way that can’t be put into words. You’ll see a family who suffered unimaginable loss, trusting God, working hard, and walking hand in hand with the men, women, and families that have served and sacrificed so much for our country. So, how was 2021? It was life-changing and Life-SAVING.” Watch Executive Director Paul House speaking to this miracle! https://youtu.be/toDfX_RZF3M

EVERYONE reading this - SAVE THE DATE! YOU'RE INVITED PLEASE SHARE July 9th, 2022 will mark the 5 Year Anniversary completion of the House in the Woods lodge located in Lee, Maine. The words "Thank you" simply aren't enough to express the gratitude the House in the Woods team, and the men and women we serve, has for each and every individual who has been a part of the mission itself, and making the lodge a reality. One might think it's just a building, but to those who know it and have visited, it's much more than that. It's a Home Away From Home for so many, a foundation on which many have found peace, love, strength, and more importantly HOPE. In honor of our 5th lodge Anniversary, we're preparing a Celebration in honor of YOU. Each one of you has been here alongside us on this mission. This mission of SAVING LIVES. SAVE THE DATE - we have amazing things planned for you, you will NOT want to miss it! If you haven't visited yet, we'll leave you with a statement we hear often... many say, "I FEEL GOD'S LOVE HERE." Feel it for yourself, be sure to join us for this special opportunity in which we give thanks to so many. #houseinthewoodsmilitaryfamilyretreat #hitw5yearanniversary

We know... you want to lavish your friends and family with thoughtful gifts this time of year. We love them, they deserve it. And saving money is important. Today, we're making a shift... no more "Black" Friday around here, it's "Red White & Blue" Friday from here on out. Why? Because it's not just about the presents and positive cash flow for retail stores. Red, White & Blue Friday is about GIVING BACK. You work hard for your money. Think wisely about where you're going to spend it and try not to be lured into the stores by "savings", only to find yourself thinking "what have I just done?" You have lots of options for spending your hard-earned dollars this time of year. If you're running out of good quality ideas, think of your men and women wearing the uniform. If you choose to make a donation to House in the Woods, you can rest assured there's no sticker shock, purchase regret, or need for returns. Sponsor a veteran in someone's honor this year and receive a certificate to give, as well as updates throughout the year for you and your recipient, with personal updates on YOUR veteran. GIVE BACK this holiday season. Show your loved ones what making a difference looks like, and help SAVE LIVES. PLEASE SHARE! Start giving back today... head to our website, or follow the link in the comments below. Every dollar makes a difference. #redwhiteandbluefriday #togetherweheal #houseinthewoodsmilitaryfamilyretreat

in LOVING MEMORY of... Our loved ones leave a legacy behind, and through sharing their interests and passions, we honor them and share a little of them with the world even after they are no longer physically with us. ​By making a donation to House in the Woods in honor of, or in memory of... you're showing your loved one in some way, believes in honoring our military men and women, and GIVING BACK. When you see their name or photo on our IN MEMORY PAGE, please let it be a reminder that your loved one continues on not only in your heart and mind, but in those of anyone who visits here. ​ We honor and remember your loved ones. We will place your loved one on our website for any donation amount. We would like to share that any donation of $1,000 or more will help sponsor a veteran on a retreat. If a donation in that amount or more is made, we will name you and your loved one as the sponsors of that particular veteran and share with you, updates about your veteran and their experience on retreat. Questions? Contact Angie Gade 920-517-6749 angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org

LISTEN IN on Better Place Project with Steve Norris podcast episode this morning... It started out with a simple question: How can we help make our world a better place? In the midst of a global pandemic, feeling lost and disconnected, we decided to make it our mission to search for ways to cultivate positive change in our world. Steve and daughter Erin Norris speak with Paul House. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paul-house-and-angie-gade-turning-tragedy-into-hope/id1540145428?i=1000542092853