Across our nation first responder agencies are stretched dangerously thin. The difficult, demanding, and dangerous work they do is causing burnout at a record pace.

When my husband, Chris, was killed in 2020 by robbery suspects fleeing from Lakewood, Colorado police, I knew nothing about this world. My interactions consisted of a few well-deserved speeding tickets. But the kindness and compassion I experienced after Chris’ death and what I learned by creating an ongoing relationship with those who serve, protect, and care for us in our worst moments inspired me to act.

In 2021, I founded Restoration Ranch Colorado a 501(c)(3). In 2022, I used my own funds to purchase and renovate a 40-acre ranch where dispatchers, fire/EMS, law enforcement, emergency department personnel, victims’ advocates, members of the Judiciary, and their families can come for a day visit or an overnight stay. We are not a mental health facility, nor do we provide mental health counseling.  Rather, we’ve created a serene setting which provides a place for reflection, relaxation, and recreation and a place to care for those who care for us.

I made a commitment to “educate, advocate, and agitate” on behalf of first responders.  As a civilian, I have fewer constraints on what I can do and say to bring attention to multitude of health and wellness issues first responders face – issues of which most members of the public are blissfully unaware. That is, until tragedy strikes. The heart-wrenching statistics, including more first responders died by suicide in 2022 than died in the line of duty, are simply unacceptable. We can and must do better.

Our pioneering efforts include the Ranch, our Valor Vacations® program which provides time at donated vacation properties to our stakeholders and their families, and camps for teenage children of first responders. Our Colorado Puts First Responders First^TM initiatives use health and wellness as a recruiting and retention platform. We are working to create regional childcare facilities for first responders, a healthy grab and go meals program, an “American Ninja Warriors” style gym to provide unique workout opportunities to enhance on-the-job performance, and first responder housing support though our 501(c)(3).   

There are still some first responders who are suspicious and skeptical of our motives. We have no political or religious affiliation. We aim only to serve and support those in what we refer to as “the traumatic event lifecycle.” Over the last two years, I’ve put $1.25 million of my own money into this endeavor and have followed through on every commitment I’ve made to create a place of respite for first responders and their families.

Why am I doing this? I was not able to be with my husband when he died at the crash scene. But those I call “my first responder angels” were with him as he took his last breath. That is why I created the Restoration Ranch Colorado – to give back to those who selflessly serve the public in circumstances that can be unimaginable.

• Theme this year is "Holiday Traditions , how they got started"
• Stanley Home Museum filled with
  • festive holiday decorations,
  • music
  • hot chocolate
  • Christmas cookies.
  •  
• Need Volunteers
  • three shifts on Saturday 10am-12:00pm, 12-3:00pm, and 3-6:00pm
  • Sunday 1-4:00pm ,and 4-6:00pm
• Volunteers are being asked to be room monitors(assuring no one touches or takes anything)
  • Knowledge about the Stanleys or the home is not required.
  • Docents throughout the home to answer those questions.  
  • Each room will have a poster with the origin of an old holiday tradition.  
  • We will have roamers that will offer breaks to the room monitors as requested,  
  • Chili, hot soup and beverages will be available for the volunteers.
• Fun WARM holiday dress is suggested.