Vines & Valor background
Vines & Valor - Nature is Medicine

Nature is Medicine.

A veteran-led organization providing access to indigenous-led wellness ceremony retreats for veterans seeking healing.

We fund transformative retreats and provide ongoing integration community support to help veterans reclaim their lives from PTSD, addiction, and trauma.

2026 Grant Application Windows

We are now accepting applications for our 2026 veteran grant program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis during two dedicated windows each year to ensure every veteran receives the attention and consideration they deserve.

First Window

January 1 - March 1

2026

Second Window

August 1 - October 1

2026

Important: Applications submitted outside these windows will be held and reviewed during the next available window. Early submission is encouraged as grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis within each window.

Our Mission

Healing Through Nature

We fund access to transformative spiritual wellness retreats for veterans, honoring indigenous traditions while building a supportive community.

25
Veteran Grants

Per retreat. 0+ veterans served annually.

0
Retreats Per Year

2 sessions over 3 days each retreat.

$0
Funding Goal

Per retreat to cover sessions, lodging, meals, and integration support.

Fund Access

We provide grants to help veterans attend wellness retreats in 3-day immersive experiences led by qualified practitioners.

Honor Tradition

All sessions are led by qualified indigenous practitioners who honor the sacred traditions of healing sessions with respect and reverence.

Real Impact

Two retreats per year serving 25 veterans each, with ongoing integration support for lasting transformation.

What to Expect

Your Retreat Experience

A typical weekend retreat includes sessions, integration, and ongoing community support.

  1. Friday

    • Check-in and room assignment
    • Opening circle and introductions
    • Intention setting
    • Dinner (first provided meal)
    • First healing session (evening)

    Arrive and settle into the sacred space. Opening circle to set intentions. First provided meal is dinner—bring food for travel. First session in the evening.

  2. Saturday

    • Morning integration session
    • Breathwork and meditation
    • Free time for reflection
    • Second healing session (evening)

    Integration work in the morning to process the first session. Breathwork and reflection. Second session in the evening.

  3. Sunday

    • Final integration session
    • Closing circle and sharing
    • Departure preparation
    • Depart after 12pm

    Final integration session to solidify insights. Closing circle for community sharing. Depart with integration plan.

  4. Ongoing

    • Weekly integration calls (virtual)
    • Access to integration community
    • Continued support and guidance

    Weekly integration calls to support your ongoing healing journey. Connection with fellow veterans and facilitators.

Grant Includes

  • ✓ Two healing sessions over 3 days
  • ✓ Lodging for the duration of the retreat
  • ✓ All meals starting with dinner on day 1
  • ✓ Integration sessions and breathwork
  • ✓ Weekly integration calls post-retreat
  • ✓ Access to integration community

Important: The first meal provided is dinner on your arrival day at the sanctuary. Please plan to eat before you travel or bring food for your journey to ensure you are nourished throughout your travel day.

Not Included

  • ✗ Travel to and from the retreat location
  • ✗ Meals during travel day (before arrival dinner at sanctuary)
  • ✗ Personal expenses

Veterans are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Casco, Maine and all meals during your travel day before arriving at the sanctuary.

About Pachamama Sanctuary

All Vines & Valor retreats are held at Pachamama Sanctuary in Casco, Maine. This sacred healing center is where our veterans experience their transformative healing sessions in a safe, legal, and professionally-guided environment. The sanctuary provides the perfect setting for deep healing work, featuring private sacred spaces, comfortable lodging, and experienced facilitators who understand the unique needs of combat veterans.

Pachamama Sanctuary is a registered church and legally operates under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, ensuring that all sessions are conducted in full compliance with federal and state law. Their team of experienced facilitators and medical professionals create a container of safety and reverence for the sacred healing work.

Troy Ulshoeffer, Founder & CEO - U.S. Navy Corpsman (Ret.) at the U.S. Capitol

Our Founder

Troy Ulshoeffer

Founder

If I can help even one veteran avoid the years of suffering I endured, then every moment of my own pain will have been worth it. No veteran should have to hit rock bottom before finding healing.

Read Troy's Story
Follow Our Journey

Social Media Community

See our retreats, hear veteran stories, and join our growing community of healing.

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