Hi friends,
As I come up on six years at Rogue Retreat, I’ve been thinking about how much we’ve grown and changed over the years. I started at the bottom and worked my way up through every position in Operations. Now I get to lead the team and help make some pretty exciting things happen across our sites.
One project I am especially proud of right now is the new outdoor kitchen at the Crossings. This space will give us the ability to cook meals outside and create more connection through food and community.
The project is being built by S&B James and is being dedicated in honor of Matt Graves, who tragically lost his life. His family made a generous donation to help build this space because Matt loved cooking, and they wanted to honor his memory in a meaningful way. You can read more about Matt’s Kitchen in another story in this newsletter.
Another project that means a lot to me is Billy’s Haven. I have worked side by side with Billy Lindsay for years, and I have seen his heart for this work and his steady commitment to recovery. Billy has been through a lot in his life, but he shows up every day ready to help others take the next right step. He is the kind of person who leads by example, not by talking about it but by living it. Naming this new sober living space after him feels right. It honors not just Billy’s journey, but the hope he gives to others who are walking a similar path. It reminds all of us that change is possible, and that no one is beyond a second chance.
Every day I get to see the progress our participants make. I see people who are working hard to move forward and build better lives. That is what keeps me going. We are excited to keep growing as an organization so we can support even more people. One of our next goals is to add more transitional housing at the Crossings. This will give more people a safe place to land while they work toward permanent housing.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for supporting the work we do. Together, we are building something strong and lasting.
With gratitude,
Donnie Harper – Operations Director