The Station Foundation Annual Report 2018

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T H E

S T A T I O N

F O U N D A T I O N

®

Š2019 The Station Foundation 501C3. All rights reserved.

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 - 3____________________OUR MISSION: HOMECOMING FOR THE SOF COMMUNITY 4 - 5____________________OUR FOCUS: LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 6 - 15___________________LEGACY INITIATIVE

6 - 7________________________INTRODUCTION

8 - 11______________________OVERVIEW

12-13_______________________OFF-SITE TRAINING EVENT OVERVIEW 14-15______________________UPCOMING OFF-SITE TRAINING EVENT 16-21__________________HOMECOMING INITIATIVE 16-17_____________________ INTRODUCTION 18-21_____________________SUMMIT YOUTH EXPLORATORY CENTER 22-23__________________VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 24-27__________________MILESTONES 24-25______________________RAWHIDE TRAINING CENTER

26______________________NANA'S PLAYGROUND

27______________________WAY AHEAD TRAIL 28-33___________________FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

28-29______________________THE YEAR IN NUMBERS 30-31______________________FUNDRAISING FOR THE STATION

32______________________2020 PROJECTED BUDGET

33______________________REGIONAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN 34-37__________________ IMPACT ON SOF FAMILIES

34-35______________________PARTICIPANT RESULTS 36-37______________________THANKS TO YOU

OUR MISSION

RESTORATION FOR THE SOF COMMUNITY The effects of combat extend well beyond the battlefield – disrupting the lives of service members and their families. This is especially true for our Nation’s most quiet professionals – Special Operations Forces (SOF). The heavy demands and ever-increasing expectations placed on SOF make it extremely difficult to preserve the health, wellness, and readiness of its members and families.

As members

of SOF, we knew firsthand the cumulative results of combat, especially the sacrifices and impacts it had on these Quiet Warriors and their families.

The Station™ came into being because we recognized

how critical it was to establish the same level of support for SOF upon return as they received in combat – as well as the urgent need to protect this Community before it was too late.

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OUR FOCUS

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In 2012, my family and I made the decision to leave the military and say goodbye to friends, teammates, and a mission that brought a deep sense of purpose and meaning to my life. It was a hard decision, but it was the right decision.

Since then, over 600 SOF Families have benefitted from The Station’s services as they return home and restore lives of purpose and love. What began as a simple vision for homecoming has grown into a meaningful path beyond war.

We serve a quiet tribe of incredible Americans who give tremendously, live greatly, and care deeply.

Our participants – families who continue to serve; those now serving beyond uniform; and our GOLD STAR Sons and Daughters – are a snapshot of the larger SOF Community. These warrior families know all too well the chronic, enduring burdens of 17 years of continuous combat.

The Station’s path is not well worn. The quest for healing beyond trauma demands everything from us. It requires a deep connection with our own experiences, mindset, and behaviors. But it offers us a chance to live with integrity – to walk the path we ask others to walk every day.

We are surrounded by wonderful people with huge hearts, who show up every day in the service of others, and thousands of supporters who give from afar.

Thank you for joining in our efforts. Thank you for taking the time to learn more. Thank you for caring.

KEVIN STACY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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LEGACY INITIATIVE The Station equips our Nation’s Special Operations Forces’ GOLD STAR Children (those who lost a loved one in combat or combat related training) to flourish in the face of challenges. We help them learn who they are and how to develop their strengths. The Station stands beside them through middle school, high school, and college – providing mentorship, scholarships, and upon graduation, an internship in their chosen career.

A life of deep

meaning and value is rooted in character. Regardless of our individual passion, strengths, and successes – integrity sets the tone and path.

When our values are in order and we are passionately present, our lives become extraordinary. As our GOLD STAR Students grow in character, they begin to see problems beyond their own lives, and stand ready to take action in support of others. We call this program LiT (Leaders in Training).

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LEGACY INITIATIVE

LiT – LEADERS in TRAINING As our GOLD STAR Children reach their teens, they join the LiT program.

LiT (Leaders in Training) – a 40-week development program – is designed to prepare them for a life of meaning and purpose. Each LiT participant utilizes the guidance of a mentor from The Station.

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS Observation while on a hike:

“ They all hit a mental or physical low and then one of the kids comes over and says something that picked them up.

There is a bond forged through these adversities.”

– LiT mentor Mike, AFSOC

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LEGACY INITIATIVE

DEVELOPING CHARACTER LiT DEVELOPS CHARACTER BY: Encouraging students to commit to the deep work focused on personal development H elping students enrich relationships with family, friends, and community Preparing students to serve selflessly

IN THEIR OWN WORDS “ You get a sense of peace out here. There is some type of serenity. You look back and think, ‘I just did that – I climbed that, literally and figuratively.

I climbed that mountain.’”

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– LiT student Angel, 3rd Special Forces

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LEGACY INITIATIVE

BI-ANNUAL OFF SITE TRAINING LiT offers a five day off site training experience. This bi-annual field trip has two primary focuses: personal development and civic engagement.

Increased exposure to diverse cultures through visits to museums and introductions to professionals dedicated to humanitarian efforts helps enrich our students’ world view. This opens their eyes to different ways of life, creating a more mature person with a deeper perspective and understanding of the world.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS Observation after summiting a mountain:

“ When I look at these views, I imagine their fathers looking down and smiling on them.”

– LiT mentor Sam, SOAR

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LEGACY INITIATIVE

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2019 PHILADELPHIA EVENT UPDATE KI

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The Station’s 2019 Philadelphia field trip will take place 09 - 15 December, with a capstone celebration Saturday, 15 December.

Please join us in support of our efforts to provide a personal development and civic engagement experience that will make a lasting impact in the lives of our students.

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Photos shown here are from the 2017 East Coast Event. As you can see, our GOLD STAR Students enjoyed themselves immensely – and came away with a broader understanding of the range and depth of service offered by the dedicated professionals engaged in public service to our Nation.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO Join in coordinating volunteer opportunities

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Provide lodging Coordinate tours of historical monuments and locations in Philadelphia Arrange access to museums Capstone celebration support:

Army/Navy Tickets

Connect The Station with local leaders

Host a lunch with local leaders

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HOMECOMING INITIATIVE Since October 2012, The Station has impacted over 600 Special Operations Forces Families. With close ties to the SOF Community, we understand the stigma attached to seeking help.

The Station

is designed to provide a safe, intimate environment where families can focus on rebuilding relationships. By sharing the stories of other SOF Families, The Station encourages a feeling of belonging that overcomes isolation.

Early on, we recognized that family transition

workshops were just one void in care. So The Station began tailoring workshops to support a variety of SOF Community members – active duty families, spouses and Children; retired service members and families; and GOLD STAR* Families.

*Those who lost a loved one in combat or combat related training.

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HOMECOMING INITIATIVE

SUMMIT YOUTH EXPLORATORY CENTER Thanks to the help of Special Operations Care – Fund (SOC-F), we were able to expand The Station’s youth department to provide better support for children of all ages. This proactive approach equips younger families – those just beginning a career within SOF – with the skills necessary to cultivate more healthy, engaged family relationships.

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS “ You get a deeper understanding of self and a different perspective of them. Because whether we want to or not, we cast a pretty big shadow for our families. Our children tend to get lost and not have the best version of self. The self confidence they gain out here is amazing. It’s amazing.”

– Family Foundation Workshop alum Mike, NSW

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HOMECOMING INITIATIVE

SUMMIT YOUTH EXPLORATORY CENTER The youth department’s curriculum continues to evolve – providing age appropriate activities for students ranging from pre-school to high school.

The SOF Community has been fighting a war for more than 17 years. As war continues we are seeing an increase in mature students attending our programs.

In 2019 The Station will develop and refine curriculum to meet the needs of high school students.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Focused on service-oriented projects, volunteers tap into their own belief in the Golden Rule. The Station offers year-long volunteer opportunities as a means to reinforce this as guidance as we navigate the way ahead.

Volunteer Dates: 01 JUN - 31 JUL, 2019 09 OCT - 18 OCT, 2019 07 NOV - 16 NOV, 2019 If the above dates do not work for your schedule – but you wish to support in some capacity, please let us know how you could help ensure our success.

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MILESTONES

RAWHIDE TRAINING CENTER In July we unveiled The Rawhide Training Center, dedicated to Randy (Rawhide) Wurst. Randy is our summer survival instructor, but more importantly, our friend and an incredible warrior.

Rawhide Award The Station created the Rawhide Strength and Honor award to present to a summer camper who embodies

Since 2013, Randy has generously volunteered his summers to teach wilderness/survival skills. He is an

the virtues in action we uphold.

amazing man who quietly and

This year Will Gifford was presented

selflessly served our Nation for

with the Rawhide Strength and Honor award. Congratulations, Will! You continue to impress us and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

27 years. We are honored to have him as a part of our team. Our summer’s would not be the same without him.

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NANA’S PLAYGROUND In August, 2018 – in the company of Shannon’s family – we dedicated the playground in honor of Shannon’s mother, Mary Catherine Lake.

Mary was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, wife, and sister, whose light will live on through our beautiful playground, continuing to spread joy and happiness to SOF Families.

Through the generosity of Krista and Reid Buerger – as well as the hard work of staff and volunteers – this area has become a picturesque space since its infrastructure was erected the summer of 2017.

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MILESTONES

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WAY AHEAD TRAIL OP

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N I N G I N 2 GOLD STAR Students is being honored by current GOLD STAR Students. Since 2015, this student

– who wishes to remain anonymous – has attended many of our summer experiences. He has also dedicated countless hours of manual labor at

Students) chipped in to begin clearing

Base Camp Jimmy, ensuring it is in

a path in honor of his father. Through

working condition for his friends

the support of SOC-F, his father’s trail

each year.

will begin a professional beautification process this summer. We are excited

After graduating from high school, he

to provide this space at Base Camp

enrolled at MSU and continues to find

Jimmy to his family, offering a place

solace in many outdoor activities.

for them to visit and have their loved one’s legacy serve as a source of

In the summer of 2018, volunteers (including many other GOLD STAR

strength for our future participants.

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

THE YEAR IN NUMBERS

F I SC A L Y E A R 2 0 1 8 PROGRAMS

(87%) $914,749

DEVELOPMENT

( 8%)

$ 81,610

GENERAL/ADMIN ( 5%)

$ 57,579

87.5%

100 % 0%

37.5%

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F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 1 9 ( to

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

date )

PROGRAMS

(83%) $351,790

DEVELOPMENT

(11%)

$ 48,163

GENERAL/ADMIN ( 6%)

$ 23,159

87.5%

100 % 0%

37.5%

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS IN 2018

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In 2018, The Robert Trent Jones Golf

to serve over 100 family members in

Club Charitable Foundation hosted a

the SOF Community. To learn more about

Golf Tournament for our SOF Warriors,

hosting your own golf tournament,

bringing in $110,000! Thanks to their

please contact Shannon Stacy at:

kindness and generosity we are able

sstacy@thestationfoundation.org

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CREATE YOUR OWN CAMPAIGN

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RECURRING DONATIONS •

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JOIN OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS Y E A R 2 By investing monthly, you will

Get Creative! There are plenty

be joining a community dedicated

of ways to get involved:

to providing services to our Nation's

Host a kickball tournament

SOF Community year-round

Hold a bake sale

Host a bowl-a-thon

Hold a game night

IN-KIND SUPPORT Fund transportation (airfare, vehicle rentals, gas), lodging, or meals HOST A FUNDRAISING EVENT If you are interested in introducing like-minded individuals in your circle to the work of The Station, please contact Shannon Stacy at: sstacy@thestationfoundation.org

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Since 2012, The Station has 0

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2020 PROJECTED BUDGET: $1,500,000.00 An increased budget will equip us to

YEAR

2 very quietly worked with over

build out a larger margin to introduce

600 SOF Families. With seven years of

phased, intentional growth in our

experience and success, the demand

organization. This growth will allow

for our programs continues to grow.

us to deepen our staff pool, and increase the frequency of programs.

Strategically, this will maintain the same quality and intimacy of current programs – which has proven to be a crucial aspect of our success.

As we provide a quicker turn over and reach our property’s capacity, we decrease wait time for our much-needed programs.

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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REGIONAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN An effective campaign will help us reach

Y E A R 2 strategy to grow our support

a new depth in our base, and secure

base and meet our current demand.

an additional $500,000 in 2019.

Three "HUBs" across the Nation now serve as key fundraising regions.

If you are interested in connecting The Station to friends in the Bay Area,

B Z N (HQ) N Y C/PH L S FO

DC

DC, and Philadelphia/NYC – please reach out to us for more information.

If you think your city is our next “HUB”

The active assistance of supporters like you is critical to the success of this approach. You can help us introduce The Station to like-minded individuals who share our values, have the capacity

please reach out to Shannon Stacy at: sstacy@thestationfoundation.org REGIONAL SUPPORT FUNDING 2019 GOAL [$500,000.00] NEW DONATIONS $121,000.00

$500 K $0

(TO DATE)

to give, and want to make a meaningful impact in the SOF Community.

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The only true measure of our

Below are some samples of what

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IMPACT ON SOF FAMILIES YEAR

2 success is how the programs

participants think after attending

improve our SOF Families’ lives.

our programs and workshops.

TOPIC

STATEMENT

PRE-WORKSHOP POST-WORKSHOP IMPROVEMENT

AWARENESS

I AM SATISFIED WITH THE PERSON I AM

57.89%

90.90%

64.00%

AWARENESS

I HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF MY STRENGTHS AND VIRTUES

68.42%

90.90%

75.00%

COMMUNICATION

I AM AWARE OF MY COMMUNICATION STYLE AND HOW IT AFFECTS OTHERS

63.00%

90.90%

69.00%

USE OF TOOLS

I MANAGE STRESS/PRESSURES IN MY LIFE IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY THAT I AM PROUD OF

36.85%

72.73%

50.60%

RELATIONSHIP

I AM SATISFIED WITH MY LEVEL OF CONNECTION TO MY SPOUSE

42.11%

81.81%

52.00%

IN THEIR OWN WORDS “ In some cases – based on deployment cycles – this is

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nature of our deployment cycle. My first time out here

the first connection you get to make with your child. It

I brought my 11 year old daughter. I was gone 103

provides a reconnection if you had a good connection,

months of her life – she was 11. RESTORE was really

which I’ll tell you a lot of us don’t due to the repetitive

the first time I had to connect with her. ”

– RESTORE participant

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THANKS TO YOU As we look back on 2018, we find ourselves reflecting on the meaning and importance of community. After all, SOF is a community. They stand united as a team ensuring our Nation’s safety. As a supporter of our mission, you too are a part of this community – standing beside them as they manage the relentless pressures placed upon them and their families. It is because of your support – our partners, sponsors, donors, and participants – that we exist and have served more than 600 families since 2012. Thank you for helping make this possible.

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C L I C K H E R E T O CH E C K O U T O U R R E C E NT VIDE O S

406.763.5505

1627 WEST MAIN ST. SUITE #258 BOZEMAN, MT 59715

info@thestationfoundation.org

f www.facebook.com/TheStationFoundation

A CRUCIAL STOP ON THE JOURNEY HOME

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