The Travis Mills Foundation’s Virtual Program was developed in response to the pandemic in 2020.
Only two years after the Veterans Retreat opened in 2017, programming was halted because of Covid 19, and staff, along with the Board of Directors, quickly pivoted to continue to provide connection and community to our participants during a time that was isolating for many.
TMF staff sent families boxes of supplies to complete activities such as baking, cooking, yoga, art therapy and more. The program also includes enjoying these activities on Zoom with fellow Travis Mills Foundation families.
What is the Virtual Program?
Virtual Weekend at Home continue because we recognized that interacting with others without the hassle of travel and missing activities, school and work is better for some families. The program begins on Friday night with TMF staff and participants located throughout the country getting to know one another in a virtual meet and greet.
Saturdays begin with any number of activities. Participants follow along as the Foundation’s head chef holds cooking lessons. Staff have already provided recipes for the dish and gift cards to purchase ingredients. In some programs, TMF’s yoga instructor offers participants ways to feel better both physically and emotionally, again, virtually, with all needed items already provided to each member of the family.
More recently and after the addition of the Health & Wellness Center to the Retreat, fitness classes are offered during Weekends At Home.
TMF also offers a Virtual Book Club several times each month that all participants are welcomed to join. The hour-long sessions include lively conversation about the book and in turn, encourages members to connect.
