In March, Camp REST created meaningful space for belonging, healing, and possibility. Throughout the week, guests and staff shared moments that fostered connection, encouragement, and community. One especially memorable moment came on Monday, when some of the guests prepared a community dinner for both guests and staff. Sharing a meal they created together made the evening feel especially warm and meaningful, and it reflected the kind of belonging we hope Camp REST continues to cultivate.
Also, a small group visited Salish Lodge and spent time by the falls. It was a quieter, more intimate outing that allowed for deeper conversation and a sense of being truly cared for and pampered. We are so grateful to the team at Salish Lodge for their generosity in hosting us and for helping create a space where guests could simply breathe, reflect, and feel valued.
This month also included activities that brought joy, creativity, and support. Guests tie-dyed t-shirts and sweatshirts, Dr. A launched her Empowerment Trauma Support Group, and we shared a s’mores and game night filled with laughter and connection. We wrapped up Camp REST with a group outing to the Cheesecake Factory, giving everyone another opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the week.
At the same time, Camp REST also created the space and time for the REST team to continue completing the expansion of our shelter from 7 to 12 bedrooms. While guests were away enjoying time for rest, connection, and community, our team was able to focus on important work behind the scenes to help prepare the expanded space. That progress represents more than additional rooms. It reflects REST’s continued commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and restorative spaces for survivors.
March also held important moments of transition and new possibility. We supported two guests as they moved out of the ERC and into their next steps. One guest moved into her own home, and we were able to help with the move. She is doing incredibly well, has a great job, is beginning work on launching her own advocacy nonprofit, and plans to start school this fall. Another guest transitioned into a women’s emergency shelter, where she has the opportunity to enter a year-long program. On the day we went to the Cheesecake Factory, we first helped her move and then shared a meal together, creating meaningful space for reflection, encouragement, and goodbyes. We ended the day by going to the movies together, closing out Camp REST with a full and impactful time of connection and care.
March was a powerful reminder that healing is shaped not only by services, but also by the relationships, experiences, and environments that help people feel safe, seen, and supported. At Camp REST, creating belonging can open the door to healing, and healing can make room for new possibility. That is what we were grateful to witness throughout the month.