The Hero's Rest facility and program addresses a major need to mediate the extreme stress experienced by first responders and military members in their jobs. To meet the need for rest and recovery that first responders and military personnel face, Shalam Ministries, Ltd. presents Hero’s Rest; a place to serve our nation’s heroes (firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, military etc.) through camping retreats and healing engagement with the outdoors. In 2020, we acquired 56 acres in the Missouri Ozarks and Hero's Rest is now in it's construction phase. We plan to open for guests in 2024.
First Responders and Military encounter more violence, trauma, and death on an annual basis than most people see during a lifetime. As a result, these individuals and their families are constantly "on" whether they are on duty or not. That constant experience of always being alert and vigilant takes its toll over the years. Without ways to rest and recover from the trauma they regularly encounter in their work, they are at risk for major adverse effects, including burnout, addiction, divorce, and suicide. (See The Yellow Ribbon Report by I.A.F.F.)
Hero's Rest, provides an opportunity to “rest and reset” through wilderness therapy, giving them the support they need to continue serving with excellence. All stays will be gifted to our guests at no charge, with an opportunity to pay-it-forward to future guests. These regular retreats will provide preventative mental wellness care, helping them to stay active at work longer and be more effective in their jobs – reflected in improved personal and professional decision-making and greater job (and overall life) satisfaction.
