LAKE HARMONY, Pa. — A wooded area near Lake Harmony is more than just a place to escape the noise of the world. It's a place the Valor Clinic Foundation turned into a retreat called the Veterans Unstoppable War to Peace Readjustment Program.
"We have the veterans come in for the weekend and work in group sessions, and we help them find their road home, and sometimes that involves walking through their past," said Mark Baylis, the founder of the Valor Clinic Foundation in Monroe County.
Paul's House in Jonas helps homeless veterans get back on their feet. The foundation has spent the past few years expanding its efforts to help veterans transition to civilian life.
Baylis says the Veterans Unstoppable retreat in Kidder Township has 200 acres with space for group sessions and outdoor recreation such as hunting and fishing.
"We are hoping that we can encourage those with injuries, 'Hey, look, there is still stuff you can do.' And they are healthy. There are better options than going to the bar or getting high or other poor life choices."
Army veteran Greg Granese recently went through the program.
"In the Army for ten years, did a little time in Korea, a little time in Iraq, got a little banged up and was medically retired," Granese said.
Granese now spends his time volunteering to help others.
"It's an outlet that isn't like other forms of therapy. It's all people that most likely have been through your situation," Granese said.
"We've had pretty good success here. None of the participants that have passed through here have taken their own lives, and that's really the goal: to reduce veteran suicide," Baylis said.
Valor is accepting more veterans to the retreat program. To learn more about the retreats or how to support Valor, CLICK HERE.