Gold Star Families
Frequently Asked Questions | 2023 Criteria | Respite Weeks
Dear Gold Star Families
At last, Captain Joseph House (CJH) is open! More than 38,000 volunteers from our local communities and many from 10 other states worked tirelessly to help remodel my former bed and breakfast into a Home-away-from-Home for many Gold Star Families. Our architect, contractors, vendors, community organizations and individuals donated and raised the funds needed to remodel this 1910 home and with in-kind services, furnishings, and supplies, we completed the remodel and held our Open House, March 20, 2022, my son’s birthday!
We will continue to hold “soft openings” throughout the spring. Three Families each week, with 16 total individuals will come on Sunday and return on Friday. We are calling these soft openings as we evaluate our current protocols and procedures. We have created and documented every phase of the respite (family application, travel, meals, recreation, and training for staff).
The Families will have the opportunity, if they so choose, to provide us with feedback on what works, what does not, what needs tweaking and most importantly personal respite experiences. Staff will also weigh in with their experiences.
We welcomed the first three Families for their respite week in October 2022. We have Families coming in next weekend, at end of February. Respite weeks that are open are noted in an attachment. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries that take place during the respite week a Family attends. Consider coming to CJH to share your current traditions and make new traditions at Captain Joseph House as we find our way without our loved one present.
The House is a safe, welcoming, and peaceful environment where new friendships can take root and Families can draw strength from each other who are on a similar journey. There is no cost for your Family.
The Criteria for Guest Family at CJH, a copy of our story about the beginning of CJH and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are attached. If a Family meets the criteria to attend a respite week a reservation document will be sent. Family participation will be based on first completed applications received, Family size, and room availability for respite week requested. Travel ticketing will follow. The reservation document requests a Family to identify three respite dates by order beginning with first choice.
The word forge originally refers to metal manufacturing. It also refers to movement and motion, moving forward gradually or steadily. I invite you to ‘forge’ with two other Families, sharing a common journey.
Contact me at 360-460-7848 or CPTJosephHouse@cjhf.org with questions or to request a reservation.
Betsy,
Gold Star Mother