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Summer has been full of meaningful moments, new opportunities and so much to be grateful for. Gabe earned his chaplain's license, expanding his ability to serve others through faith, compassion and encouragement. Ashley had the incredible opportunity to attend the Mighty Oaks Women's Legacy Program for veterans, first responders and spouses.
One of the highlights of our summer was partnering once again with Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas – Houston Women's Campus during chapel service. Gabe shared a message on spiritual formation, reminding us that lasting transformation begins as we allow Christ to shape our hearts. Together, we reflected on the power of love, forgiveness, and surrender, and the freedom we find as we become new creations in Christ.
We're excited to share that 24 women veterans have already registered for our Rise & Reclaim Women Veterans Wellness Initiative, which launches in September. Watching this vision come to life has been such an encouragement, and we look forward to walking alongside these incredible women throughout the coming year.
As we look ahead, we're filled with gratitude for each person who has chosen to be part of this journey. Whether you've volunteered, made a donation, partnered with us, prayed for us, attended an event or supported our mission in countless other ways, thank you. Because of you, Warrior Spirit continues to create spaces where people can strengthen their mental wellness, build resilience, deepen their faith and experience the power of authentic community.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for walking alongside us.
Gabe & Ashley Onofre
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Never Fight Alone
by Ashley Onofre, Program Director
In June, I had the privilege of attending the Mighty Oaks Women's Legacy Program in San Miguel, California. I arrived with no expectations - just an open heart and a simple prayer: Lord, show me what You want me to see.
And He did.
In just five days, God used incredible teaching, honest conversations over way too many delicious desserts, horses, hiking, laughter, quiet moments and the stories of other women to remind me of truths I needed to hear. He gently peeled back layers I didn't even realize I was still carrying and reminded me that my identity has never been found in what I do, what I've survived or what others think of me. It has always been found in Him.
As meaningful as the teaching was, the greatest gift I brought home wasn't something I packed in my suitcase.
It was the women.
Veterans. First responders. Military and first responder spouses. Women from different walks of life, each carrying a unique story, yet all willing to show up with courage, authenticity and open hearts.
We shared meals, long conversations, tears, testimonies and lots of laughter. Strangers became sisters.
Now we're back home, living in different corners of the country, but we're still cheering each other on and texting lots of videos, photos, music and scripture. Those friendships didn't end when the program did. In many ways, they were just beginning.
Mighty Oaks gave me far more than a memorable week. It gave me lifelong friendships, a renewed perspective and an even deeper passion to love and serve others well.
If you're a veteran, first responder, active-duty service member, first responder spouse or military spouse, I want to encourage you to apply. Mighty Oaks is based in Montgomery, Texas, and offers Legacy Programs for both men and women across Texas, California, Ohio and Virginia and I can't recommend them enough. If you need a place to step away from the noise, reconnect with God and be surrounded by people who truly understand, this may be exactly where He is leading you.
Sometimes one simple "yes" can change everything.
Maybe this is yours.
There is no cost to attend a Mighty Oaks Legacy Program.
To learn more or apply, visit https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/.
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A Great Book with an Even Greater Impact
One of Warrior Spirit's favorite educators and authors, Mike Williams, has released The Fox and the Mouse on multiple formats, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you!
Every page you turn is an investment in the next generation. Read a great story, inspire a young reader and help support Warrior Spirit's programs for youth and educators.
A portion of every book purchase helps fund mental wellness education, resilience-building activities and opportunities for personal growth for educators and youth.
Click to purchase The Fox and the Mouse on AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE.
Thank you for supporting a wonderful author, encouraging young minds and helping Warrior Spirit continue investing in the next generation.
Connect with Mike on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMikeWilliams
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Connection. Reflection. Growth.
More than 20 participants joined us online for From Surviving to Thriving: Building Mental Wellness, Resilience & Real-Life Support as part of the University of Houston-Clear Lake Summer Scholars Series. While the presentation was meaningful, it was the conversations that made the biggest impact.
As participant Dassalee Richardson-James shared, "It allowed me to step away from the hustle and bustle of my day, connect inwardly and connect with others ..."
She also reflected that mental wellness is something we all need to regularly take inventory of and recognize when it's time to ask for help.
Thank you to the University of Houston-Clear Lake for the invitation and to everyone who showed up with open hearts and willing minds.
If your organization, workplace, school, faith community, or community group is looking for an engaging presentation on mental wellness, resilience and connection, we'd love to partner with you. Virtual and in-person presentations are available - Ashley.Onofre@warriorspirittexas.org
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Healing Happens Outside: Celebrating National Parks & Recreation Month
Nature has a way of slowing us down. It invites us to breathe a little deeper, notice the beauty around us, and simply be present.
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Research supports what many have experienced firsthand. Studies have found that spending at least 120 minutes each week in nature is associated with better health and well-being. Time outdoors has also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while improving mood, focus, and resilience. While nature isn't a replacement for professional mental health care, it can be a powerful partner in supporting emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Throughout the community, Warrior Spirit and its partners-in--service are creating opportunities for people to reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the healing power of the outdoors.
Walking & Hiking
"Every journey begins with a single step."
Many of Warrior Spirit's one-on-one peer support sessions take place in local parks and on walking trails. Every walk is different, but each one is a reminder that healing doesn't always begin with sitting down. Sometimes it begins with standing up, stepping outside and taking the first step.
Website: https://warriorspirittexas.org/
Adventure & Off-Road
"Sometimes the trail itself becomes the teacher."
Operation Relentless creates opportunities for veterans and first responders to reconnect through off-road adventures and outdoor experiences. Challenging terrain, teamwork and shared experiences build resilience, confidence and lasting friendships while reminding us that growth often happens just beyond our comfort zone.
Website: https://tinyurl.com/Operation-Relentless
Adventure Therapy on the Water
"The water has a way of quieting the noise."
Skeleton Crew Adventures uses Adventure Therapy to help veterans and first responders build resilience through sailing and outdoor experiences. On the water, participants discover leadership, teamwork, confidence and the strength that comes from navigating life's challenges together.
Website: https://skeletoncrewadventures.org
Equine Wellness
"Sometimes healing begins with slowing down."
Brookside Ranch offers equine-assisted wellness experiences that help people build trust, confidence, emotional awareness and connection. Horses have an incredible way of meeting us exactly where we are and inviting us to become fully present.
Website: https://brooksideranch.com/index.html
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Walking with Our Best Friends
"Sometimes our best walking partner has four paws."
WildHearts Petventures celebrates the connection between people, pets and the outdoors. Whether it's exploring a new trail, enjoying an adventure together or simply taking a daily walk, spending time outside with our dogs encourages movement, mindfulness, joy and connection.
Website: https://tinyurl.com/WildHearts-Petventures
Growing Something
"Sometimes growth begins with getting our hands in the soil."
Boots Rooted is a veteran-led, hands-on sustainability training program grounded in agriculture, land stewardship, and real-world skills. By working alongside experienced mentors on veteran-led farms, participants gain practical agricultural knowledge while building confidence, purpose, and connection. Every seed planted, every task completed, and every lesson learned is a reminder that growth—both in the land and in ourselves - happens one season at a time.
Website: https://tinyurl.com/Boots-Rooted
Fitness & Community
"Strong bodies. Strong minds. Strong communities."
Powerhouse Patriots brings veterans together through fitness, service, leadership, and community. Their programs encourage healthy lifestyles while building the relationships and sense of purpose that are essential to long-term wellness.
Website: https://phpatriots24.org
The Warrior Spirit Nature Challenge
🌳 Visit a local park.
🚶 Explore a new trail.
🌅 Watch a sunrise or sunset.
🐕 Take your dog for a walk.
🌱 Plant something.
📵 Leave your phone in your pocket for a little while.
🤝 Invite someone to join you.
You don't have to climb a mountain to experience the benefits of nature. Sometimes all it takes is a short walk around your neighborhood or a quiet moment on a park bench.
To learn more about Warrior Spirit or schedule an outdoor peer support session, email Ashley.Onofre@warriorspirittexas.org
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This September, Warrior Spirit is launching Rise & Reclaim - a year-long wellness initiative created by women veterans, for women veterans. Sponsored in part by H-E-B Operation Appreciation, the program offers connection, peer support, mental wellness education and meaningful experiences designed to help women veterans grow together.
Two ways to participate:
Core Cohort: Year-long peer support, education and activities. Applications for the Core Cohort close August 25, as space is limited and participants will journey together throughout the year.
Community Participant: Join us for education classes, wellness workshops and activities throughout the year as your schedule allows.
All peer support circles and many education sessions will be offered virtually, making it possible for women veterans across Texas and the United States to participate. In-person experiences throughout the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast region will include hiking, equine experiences, sailing, fitness classes, gardening, art workshops, healthy cooking classes, service projects, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to be part of a Women Veterans Mental Wellness Podcast Panel at Pearland Podcast Studio, sharing conversations that encourage and inspire others. Participants and facilitators will receive a Warrior Spirit Rise & Reclaim T-shirt.
Interested in joining us? Complete our Interest Form
Share Your Expertise
Do you have an online wellness class, educational presentation or activity you'd like to offer to the women veterans participating in Rise & Reclaim? We'd love to hear from you! Please email Ashley.Onofre@WarriorSpiritTexas.org
| | Warrior Spirit Partners in Service | | | | |
