ABOUT COURAGE POINT RETREAT
A Veteran-Led Sanctuary for Healing, Dignity, and Renewal
Courage Point Retreat (CPR) is a nonprofit, veteran-founded organization providing free, nature-based healing retreats and wellness pathways for disabled and underserved veterans — with an intentional focus on Black veterans who face higher rates of PTSD and long-term trauma.
Built by veterans who understand the journey firsthand, CPR exists to create safe spaces where healing feels human, respectful, and grounded in community.
Our Mission & Purpose
A Safe, Veteran-Led Pathway to Healing & Renewal
Courage Point Retreats (CPR) provides free, nature-based retreats, peer connection, and emotional wellness support for U.S. veterans—especially disabled and Black veterans who face higher PTSD rates.
Our programs combine peaceful nature settings, trauma-informed care, and veteran-led guidance to help participants reset, reconnect, and start healing without pressure or judgment.
Veteran-Led Support
Guided by veterans who understand trauma, service, and the road back to stability.
Nature-Based Healing
Calm outdoor settings proven to lower stress and help veterans reconnect with peace.
Safe & Judgment-Free
No ranks. No pressure. Just a supportive community that listens and cares.
Free for All Veterans
Retreat programs, lodging, and support services are 100% free for veterans.
WHO WE ARE
Built by Veterans Who Understand the Journey
Courage Point Retreat is a veteran-founded and veteran-led nonprofit created by individuals who have lived through trauma, reintegration challenges, and the search for renewed purpose after military service.
We believe healing does not begin in offices or paperwork — it begins in safe spaces, in nature, and alongside people who understand without judgment.
Every CPR program is shaped by lived experience, cultural awareness, and a commitment to restoring dignity, confidence, and hope.
- Programs designed and led by disabled veterans who understand trauma firsthand.
- Calm environments, non-clinical language, and no pressure to “perform healing.”
- Intentional support for Black veterans and others historically underserved.
- Gardens, trails, quiet reflection spaces, and community outdoors.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY
Why Courage Point Retreat Highlights Veterans
Courage Point Retreat proudly serves all veterans. At the same time, we intentionally highlight Black veterans because research consistently shows they experience higher rates of PTSD, longer-lasting trauma symptoms, and greater barriers to culturally responsive care.
Our focus is not about exclusion — it is about closing a documented gap so every veteran has an equal opportunity to heal.
Higher PTSD Rates
Veterans screen positive for PTSD at nearly double the rate of White veterans.
Longer Trauma Duration
Studies show PTSD symptoms persist longer and more intensely among Black veterans.
Delayed Diagnosis
Systemic barriers often delay diagnosis and treatment for Black veterans.
Limited Culturally Aware Care
Access to culturally responsive mental health support remains limited.
This commitment strengthens our mission. By addressing disparities directly, Courage Point Retreat creates safer, more effective healing spaces — not only for Black veterans, but for all veterans we serve.
LEADERSHIP
Led by Disabled Veterans Who Serve with Purpose
Courage Point Retreat is guided by leaders with lived experience, military insight, and a deep commitment to trauma-informed, culturally aware veteran care. We believe trust is built through presence, consistency, and service.
Louis L. Jones
President
Louis leads CPR with a commitment to veteran dignity, trauma-informed healing, and building a permanent sanctuary where underserved veterans can recover, reconnect, and thrive.
Calvin N. Young
Vice Chair
Calvin supports CPR’s mission through community leadership, veteran advocacy, and the long-term vision to expand retreats, programs, and land acquisition for a future Illinois campus.
Jason Jones
Secretary
Jason helps strengthen CPR through organization, accountability, and consistent service—ensuring veterans experience support that is clear, respectful, and reliable.
Full bios and veteran stories are coming soon. CPR is built on service, not spotlight.
OUR STORY
How Courage Point Retreat Came to Life
Courage Point Retreat was not created overnight. It grew from lived experience, careful listening, and a deep understanding of what veterans need to heal safely and sustainably.
2019–2020
The Idea Takes Shape
Founders began informal conversations with fellow veterans struggling with PTSD, isolation, and limited access to healing environments that felt safe and culturally aware.
2021
Community Validation
Veterans, advocates, and community leaders confirmed the need for a retreat model built by veterans, for veterans, with dignity at its core.
2022–2023
Vision Becomes Structure
CPR formalized its mission, leadership, and long-term plan for land acquisition, programming, and sustainable operations.
2024–Present
Building Toward a Permanent Sanctuary
CPR advances retreat programming, partnerships, and fundraising to establish a permanent healing campus serving generations of veterans.
Our Programs
Veteran-Led Healing for Those Who Carry Invisible Wounds
Courage Point Retreat offers veteran-led programs designed to support healing, stability, and renewed purpose. Each program is trauma-informed, culturally aware, and rooted in the healing power of nature and community.
Healing Retreats
Free, nature-based retreats focused on calm, connection, and emotional restoration for veterans living with PTSD and trauma.
Family Healing Retreats
Family-inclusive experiences that help rebuild communication, trust, and emotional wellness for veterans and loved ones.
Mental Health & PTSD Support
Trauma-informed wellness tools, peer support, education, and resources designed for long-term emotional health.
Healing Garden Program
Therapeutic gardening and farm-based activities that reduce stress, improve mood, and build mindfulness.
Entrepreneurship & Job Training
Business coaching, job readiness training, and skill-building pathways for veterans seeking purpose and stability.
Community & Peer Support
Lifelong veteran community through peer groups, events, and support networks — no veteran heals alone.
THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE
What Healing Can Look Like Here
At Courage Point Retreat, healing is not rushed. Veterans are welcomed into nature, supported by peers, and given space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect — at their own pace.
Nature-Based Healing
Guided walks, quiet reflection areas, and grounding practices designed to help the nervous system settle.
Healing Garden & Food-Growing
Gardening that supports mindfulness, stress relief, and a sense of purpose through hands-on growth.
Trauma-Informed Wellness Support
Breathwork, journaling, emotional regulation tools, and calming routines that veterans can keep using at home.
Veteran-Led Support Circles
Peer-led spaces built on respect, understanding, and trust — led by veterans who get it.
Restorative Activities
Campfire circles, storytelling, music, drumming, art expression, and reflective nature time.
Family Healing Options
Supportive retreat opportunities that strengthen communication and help families reconnect.
Warm Meals & Gathering Time
Nutritious meals and shared dining that create comfort, connection, and belonging.
Ready to learn what a retreat includes?
What Veterans Gain
Real Outcomes from Courage Point Retreats
Veterans leave CPR retreats with renewed strength, emotional clarity, and a deeper sense of community. Whether managing PTSD, rebuilding family connections, or rediscovering purpose — every retreat is designed to support long-term healing.
Emotional Relief & Reset
Veterans often report feeling lighter, calmer, and clearer — sometimes for the first time in years.
Renewed Confidence & Purpose
Activities and guidance that help veterans rediscover identity, motivation, and direction.
Long-Term Wellness Tools
Techniques for stress management, grounding, mindset, communication, and daily emotional balance.
A Supportive Veteran Community
Instant connection, peer validation, and a safe space where veterans feel understood.
Support Veteran Healing
Your Support Makes Healing Possible
Courage Point Retreat exists because of people who believe veterans deserve peace, dignity, and access to healing. Your donation helps provide free retreats, mental-wellness support, nutritious meals, healing garden programs, and progress toward our future 50+ acre retreat campus.
Free Healing Retreats
Nature-based retreats at no cost to veterans.
Mental Wellness Support
Trauma-informed tools, education, and peer support.
Future Healing Campus
Helping build a permanent 50+ acre sanctuary in Illinois.
Stay Connected
Get Retreat Updates & PTSD Resources
Receive calm, helpful updates about free retreats, wellness tools, volunteer opportunities, and progress toward our future 50+ acre healing campus.
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A Safe Place to Start
Whatever You’re Carrying — You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
Courage Point Retreat is veteran-led, trauma-informed, and built around dignity, nature, and community. Whether you’re a veteran looking for support, a supporter ready to help, or a partner wanting to collaborate — here’s the best next step.
For Veterans
Apply for a free retreat or join as a Veteran Member. We’ll guide you with respect and support — at your pace.
For Supporters
Become a member or donate to help keep retreats free and expand CPR’s healing programs and land campaign.
For Partners
Sponsors, therapists, and community partners are welcome. Let’s collaborate to serve veterans with real impact.
Veteran-led. Trauma-informed. Respect-first. Built for healing in nature.