The Havenhouse Respite Program: In A Nutshell

The Need: Havenhouse is designed for individuals who want more than traditional talk therapy but don't require inpatient behavioral health care — offering a supportive, immersive, and non-judgmental space to heal between the two.

The Setting:‍ ‍Havenhouse offers five-day, six-night peer-supported respite stays for adults coping with trauma, grief, or moral injury, running from Sunday evening check-in through Saturday morning departure. Each respite requires one primary participant currently experiencing PTSD symptoms. We recommend bringing at least one supportive family member or friend — ideally two to five — who is/are also coping with primary or secondary trauma. That said, individuals are welcome to attend the respite on their own as well. Set at a beautifully restored 1887 Carriage House on 20 acres of historic farmland in Elbert County, Colorado, the program creates a private, home-like environment where participants can rest, reconnect, and begin to heal — away from the isolation that so often accompanies trauma.

Schedule & Peer-Support: Mornings are left open and unstructured, giving participants time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and lunch with their affinity group, explore the surrounding Black Forest area, spend time with the ranch's animals, or simply rest, breathe, and take in the beauty of the surroundings at their own pace. Each afternoon, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, a trained team of two Peer Support Specialists lead a dedicated window of guided peer-support activities, including GriefShare® sessions, agritherapy through our community garden or indoor hydroponics, art therapy, equine volunteerism via partnership with Safe Landing Horse Rescue, nature walks, and optional faith-based opportunities — all voluntary and tailored to each family's comfort level. In the evenings, the home transitions into a self-governing space, giving participants full privacy and autonomy to rest, reflect, and reconnect with one another.

Meal-Prep: Meals are kept simple and stress-free, with groceries and pre-prepped Dream Dinner® kits fully stocked before arrival.

Media-Use:‍ ‍To help create space for genuine rest and connection, Havenhouse encourages participants to take an intentional break from phones, screens, and the constant pull of everyday digital life during their stay. We ask that common areas remain device-limited so that time together can stay present and meaningful. This isn't about strict rules — it's an invitation to unplug, be fully present with your affinity group, and make the most of this time to rest, reflect, and reconnect.

Add-On Professional Counseling: An optional add-on service includes professional counseling that can be arranged in advance for those who want extra support.

Clinical Support: Every participant receives behavioral health navigation before departure, along with follow-up outreach at 30, 60, and 90 days to help maintain connection to ongoing care. The program is overseen by a Colorado-licensed behavioral health professional who provides monthly consultation and flexible off-hours telehealth availability for non-life-threatening concerns. This ensures that while the Havenhouse model is warm, relational, and non-clinical, it remains grounded in professional, ethical care. Havenhouse is designed to complement — not replace — participants' existing clinical treatment.

Safety: At Havenhouse, we believe healing happens best in an environment where participants feel safe, respected, and supported. Every staff member completes a background check and receives training in Light University's Certificate in Crisis Response and Trauma Care before working with participants, and all staff are CPR and First Aid certified. Our Peer Support Specialists also go on to achieve their full full Peer Support Professional (PSP) Certification in Colorado within 12 months of hire.

Our program operates under a written Safety & Security Plan designed to protect the well-being of everyone on-site. Practical safety measures include:

• Private, secure bedrooms with doors that lock from the inside

• Lockboxes for personal prescription medication. Lockbox keys stay with the participant and Havenhouse staff never handles participant medication.

• Fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits located throughout the house

• Evacuation maps posted in every room, along with staff and emergency contact cards

During each stay, our team collaborates with participants to build individualized wellness and crisis-prevention plans, prioritizing compassionate, voluntary support over coercive intervention. Havenhouse also maintains a site-specific Emergency Operations Plan covering fire, severe weather, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events, with regular staff training and drills to ensure readiness.

Havenhouse is a drug-free zone, excepting prescribed medication, and all guests are expected to comply with this policy throughout their stay.

Privacy & Confidentiality: What you share at Havenhouse stays protected. We maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and applicable federal regulations, and we do not share participant information without written consent, except where required by law. Unauthorized recording or photography is prohibited, so participants can feel free to be fully present without fear of exposure.

We maintain rigorous documentation and quality-improvement practices to uphold the highest standards of care. Havenhouse is committed to a trauma-informed culture at every level — because true safety means physical security, emotional care, and the confidence that your story is protected.

Your Choice, Every Step of the Way: Havenhouse is a voluntary program — you're always free to come and go, or to leave entirely, whenever you choose. We never use coercive interventions, except in the rare case of an emergency posing imminent risk to someone's physical safety, where our team will follow established protocols to protect everyone on-site. Counseling, faith-based offerings, and every activity are entirely optional. We're here to walk alongside you, wherever your healing journey leads.

Compassionate Culture: Rooted in compassion, community, and evidence-informed practice, Havenhouse exists to help those who have experienced life-altering trauma find rest, connection, and renewed hope — and to walk alongside them long after their stay has ended.