(pictured above) Executive Director Kerri Whalen (right), and Challenge Unlimited founder Deedee O’Brien (third from left) join volunteers (from left) Samantha Sullivan and Charlie Orosz, and board members Brendan Hamm and Ralph Acaba for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of the Retreat Center
Last week marked the beginning of a bright new future for Challenge Unlimited at Ironstone Farm, as we celebrated the grand opening of our Retreat Center. The new center will serve as a home-away-from-home for people participating in our equine-assisted therapeutic programs and give groups the opportunity to stay overnight at the farm for a more immersive experience.
From left, Charlie Orosz, Brendan Hamm, and Samantha Sullivan take a break while working on the Retreat Center in 2021
Volunteers, contractors, trade workers, and donors behind the renovation traveled near and far to share the memories, stories, and aspirations behind the five-year project.
Among them was board member, Brendan Hamm, who recounted his first visit to the farm with Raytheon coworker, Samantha Sullivan during a speech at the opening ceremony. When he learned the Retreat Center would serve as a place of respite for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, among others, he was inspired to help in any way he could.
Our new Retreat Center will give program participants, such as veterans with PTSD, the opportunity to stay overnight for a more immersive experience.
“Being a combat veteran and having lost too many of my friends after coming home, that message really resonated with me. I completely connected to this place,” said Hamm.
That day would kickstart a relationship with both Raytheon Technologies and RayVets, (Raytheon Employee Veterans Network) that would bring superstar volunteers Charlie Orosz and Ralph Acaba to the farm to work alongside Hamm and Sullivan. Hamm expressed the critical role Sullivan, Orosz and Acaba played in making this dream a reality in his closing statement.
“Without Sam, Charlie, and Ralph, this project would have never been completed,” said Hamm.
Our Retreat Center has been a labor of community love from the very beginning. Outside of Raytheon, over 25 organizations and individual contractors dedicated their time and talent to transform our 3-bed, 1-bath farmhouse into a 13-bed, 6-bath facility. The support of our community throughout this project has been nothing short of amazing.
State Senator Barry Finegold speaks as Challenge Unlimited founder Deedee O’Brien looks on
Senator Barry Finegold, who also spoke at the event, commented on the outpouring of support with hometown pride.
“I think what makes Ironstone so special, and I think what makes the town of Andover so special, is we take care of those who take care of us,” said Finegold. “Ironstone Farm, what you have done, what you continue to do, is so valuable to so many, and I thank you for that.”
We are so grateful to everyone across the Merrimack Valley who helped make our new Retreat Center a reality. We look forward to opening the doors of our new center as a place of respite for those we serve, including people with disabilities, veterans and first responders with PSTD, cancer patients, and people with substance use disorders.
A message from our Executive Director
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
We had an incredible afternoon celebrating the opening of our Retreat Center. I am still in awe of the number of people that shared their time and resources with us to turn this house into a home for the children, adults, and families we serve here at the farm.
The retreat center represents the future of Ironstone Farm – more immersive, impactful, and integrative programs serving more of the community.
Thank you to our staff, volunteers, donors, and board members for coming out to celebrate and share our mission. Together we are going to keep making lives better one moment at a time.
My heart is so full!
Sincerely,
Kerri Whalen
Click here to learn more about our Retreat Center and booking options
