Nonprofit serving Gold Star families hosts event at Mayan Dude Ranch

Tuesday’s Children, a nonprofit serving those impacted by terrorism, military conflict and mass violence, hosted their bi-annual conference at Mayan Dude Ranch last month, with this year’s event focusing on Gold Star young adults.

Activities from Jan. 13's eventincluded conversations about peace building and conflict resolution, as well as therapeutic arts through music, drama, movement, and sports, as well as fun activities including horseback riding and hayrides.

The event featured over 20 members of Gold Star families aged 15-20 from throughout the U.S., Including Texas, North Carolina, California, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia, as well as international participants from Belgium and Afghanistan.

Founded in 2008, Project Common Bond brings together young adults from around the world who share a ‘common bond’ — the loss of a family member due to an act of terrorism, violent extremism, or war, and has welcomed an international community of over 1,000 youth from 34 countries total. It is supported, in part, by the Department of Homeland Security Terrorism and Targeted Violence Prevention (TVTP) Grants Program.

“During Project COMMON BOND, we welcome young adults from across the country and globe to come together to heal and grow. We are thrilled to bring the program to Texas for the first time and are honored to welcome young adults of Gold Star families who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country,” said Terry Sears, Executive Director of Tuesday’s Children.

“While terrorism has the tendency to isolate, frighten, and separate those impacted, the multi-cultural program brings participants together to engage with one another in activities and conversations that empower them to be the next generation of compassionate, global leaders, focusing on dignity and respect,” said Sears.

Corporate sponsor Teledyne FLIR Defense donated $10,000 to cover transportation costs for all retreat attendees from the US and abroad.

“Teledyne FLIR Defense is proud to support Tuesday’s Children and help offset transportation expenses for this year’s retreat guests,” said Dan Morgan, Senior Director of Operations at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “Our Gold Star military families have given so much to our country. Giving back to them in any small way helps honor their sacrifice and the debt we owe them.”

For more information, visit www.tuesdayschildren. org or follow @TuesdaysChildren on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram @TuesdaysChldrn.