Trails of Purpose, a Chesapeake-based nonprofit that provides invaluable therapeutic support to military members and their families, is excited to announce its expansion into a new facility at Pungo's One Red Maple Farm, situated in one of the most densely populated military communities. The newly acquired property paves the way for additional mental health resources to ensure quality care and meaningful impact. Co-founder Kayla Arestivo and retired Navy special warfare officer Ricky Bledsoe earnestly dedicate the farm to all veterans returning from combat.
Trails of Purpose, a Chesapeake-based nonprofit that uses horses to support military members, is proud to announce its expansion into a new facility to meet the increasing need for mental health resources. Recently, over 30 volunteers gathered at One Red Maple Farm to help clean the property and prepare it for lease. Trails of Purpose is now in the process of obtaining the necessary permits to open the 38-acre Pungo farm for military members and their families seeking counseling. Located in one of the most densely populated military communities, co-founder Kayla Arestivo sees the expansion as an opportunity to make a lasting impact on mental health in the area.
“It is our mission to provide quality therapeutic care for those who have served and their families,” she said. “We are proud to be able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of service members.” She believes that her professional mission is to provide quality therapeutic care for those who have served in the military and their families.
Ricky Bledsoe, a Trails of Purpose board member and retired Navy special warfare officer, purchased the property from Lynnette Bukowski, the widow of a veteran Navy SEAL. Mrs. Bukowski had dedicated the farm to serve as a retreat for veterans returning from combat for nearly 10 years. This achievement marks a milestone in providing much-needed support and care to those who have served.
Bledsoe and his fellow volunteers worked diligently for three hours to clear overgrown vegetation and clean up animal pens, a bunk house, and a barn, ensuring that the property will be available to military members and their families so they can "rest and refit." This endeavor is a testament to the commitment of those involved in honoring veterans and shows the importance of providing support after service.
Trails of Purpose sees about 100 military members, veterans, and their families every week for individual, spouse, family, or group therapy sessions, making it a prime destination to relax and unwind from the pressures of reality.
Kyle Arestivo says "These are people who are built for community. A lot of military members don't typically have friends outside the military because they have built-in friends in the military. But when you leave the military, you don't have that anymore. When you come out to us, now you do. Every Saturday, they can show up to our groups and trust that somebody is there checking in on them. At Trails of Purpose, our veterans feel a sense of belonging."
One Red Maple Farm has enabled Trails of Purpose to reach even greater heights. Through their partnership, the nonprofit has been able to facilitate more groups and hire three additional licensed professional counselors. Seven new horses have also been leased for therapeutic purposes. With this expansion, Kyle Arestivo hopes that people will understand and value the importance of civilian counselors for military members, so they can talk openly about their experiences without reporting them back to TRICARE.
Participating in Trails of Purpose is free, and all confidential information will only be reported if licensed professional counselors deem that person a threat to themself or others. Arestivo’s short-term goal is to see the waitlist dwindle so that more military members can take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Trails of Purpose is proof that one person's vision and actions can lead to something that changes people's lives for the better. From Mrs. Bukowski's dedication to opening a retreat for veterans, to Ricky Bledsoe's purchase of property to Kayla Arestivo's expansion into a larger facility, what began as one woman's idea has grown into an agency improving the lives and mental health of much military personnel in the area. This pursuit of service has proved that Trails of Purpose will continue to be a positive impact on this community, offering them a much-needed resource to cope with their challenging experiences.
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