The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
As the pandemic unfolded, GratitudeAmerica faced two obstacles, both of which are necessary for retreats, neither of which is necessarily encouraged during the pandemic: travel and convening people in the same space. As a result, GratitudeAmerica suspended retreats in March and explored a virtual alternative, but determined it unfeasible. The ‘secret sauce’ is bringing Vets and their support people together in one place — the human element is really what heals people when they are anxious and depressed. GratitudeAmerica cancelled four retreats and thoughtfully weighed the COVID risk against that of isolation, which has led to increases in domestic violence, suicide ideation, and other dangers.
That separation, layered onto the trauma and stress Veterans already face, brings other demons to the surface – GratitudeAmerica gets calls nearly every day from Veterans who want to attend a retreat. The need and urgency are there, and we knew that we needed to resume the retreats and be there for Vets now more than ever. Since that time, GratitudeAmerica has implemented mitigation measures, including reducing the number of retreat participants from 30 to 24, enhanced sanitation, distancing, masks, and changes in meal delivery.