The combined staff of Veterans Path to Hope and Lake County Veterans and Family Services Foundation took time off Monday, August 7th from 12-3 to gather for a picnic at the Equestrian Connection Equine Therapy facility.  It was also a day to remind the Veteran staff of Purple Heart Day and the honor and sacrifice of many of our combat comrades.

Veteran Peer Stephani Klitzka was the organizer, facilitator, chef, and recreation manager for the event. With the help of Veteran Peer Kevin Guyot, Stephanie (see picture below) made sure everything was executed perfectly.  Paul Baffico of LCVFSF and Laura Franz of VPH said, “Stephanie is a phenomenal  first-class event planner!  We need to bring our staff together more often.”

There was hot food, horse grooming, pony rides, lasso lessons, fishing, boating, hiking and just good conversation for the 56 attendees from VPH and LCVFSF who dedicate their daily lives to assisting all Veterans with life issues.  It was a great way to say thanks and to honor their hard work.

Thanks to all for the great time!

A special thanks to Diana Schnell, E.C. founder and Collette Collins, PsyD therapist for their complete support of LCVFSF and the event.  You are the BEST!

 

An older man in a light blue shirt and cap stands with his hand on his chest, speaking in front of a wall display. Another man, wearing black, stands smiling nearby. A box and pamphlets sit on a wooden table in the foreground.Paul Baffico and Stephanie Klitzka Welcome Everyone

A wooden dock extends over a calm lake surrounded by green trees under a cloudy sky, with benches and a small sign visible near the dock.Complete Fishing Lake

An adult and a child, both wearing cowboy hats, practice lassoing a hay bale with a fake bull head in a sandy outdoor arena near a fenced area and barn.Real Lasso Lessons

Three people play an outdoor basketball game with short plastic hoops and colorful balls under a covered patio. One person shoots a red ball while another, wearing a hat and neon shoes, watches. Green grass is visible in the background.Making Baskets, Too!

A blue horse statue stands behind a sign reading Thank You For Your Service!!! with three purple hearts and small American flags. A wagon wheel and flowers are also visible nearby.E.C. Plastic “Trigger” Says, “Thanks”.

Five women stand outdoors by a fenced area, smiling at the camera. They are dressed casually and appear to be enjoying a sunny day. Green trees and a sandy ground are visible in the background.VPH Staff Have Great Fun

A man and a young child, both wearing hats, paddle a blue canoe on a calm lake. The child is wearing a life jacket. In the background, two more people are paddling a purple canoe. Trees line the shore.
A man and a girl wearing life jackets paddle a red canoe on a calm river. The man waves at the camera while the girl smiles, with green trees reflected in the water behind them.

Two people stand indoors, smiling at the camera. The person in front holds a gift card and envelope. Behind them are shelves with awards and a vintage recruitment poster on the wall.Stephanie Klitzka and Kevin Guyot