Why It Matters
Meeting the Need for Belonging, Purpose & Connection Among Veterans
The Need
Douglas County is home to one of the highest percentages of veterans in Oregon—approximately 13% of the population. Yet, it is also among the counties with the highest rates of veteran suicide. Veterans in rural areas like ours face unique challenges: limited access to services, social isolation, and stigma around seeking help.
After leaving military service, many veterans struggle to find a new sense of purpose and community. The loss of structure, mission, and peer connection can take a serious toll on mental health. While clinical care is vital, it is not always accessible—or what every veteran wants. That’s why non-clinical, community-rooted support is more important than ever.
Our Approach
Source One Serenity creates safe and supportive spaces for veterans to reconnect—with themselves, with nature, and with one another.
Our programs combine outdoor recreation, trail stewardship, and purpose-driven activities to build trust and connection. Whether hiking through the Umpqua National Forest, working alongside others to restore a trail, or sharing stories around a campfire, these experiences help veterans feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves again.
We also include peer support and opportunities for veterans to bring their families, reinforcing a culture of belonging and healing that extends beyond the individual.
Why It Works
Research continues to show that time spent in nature improves mental health, reduces symptoms of PTSD and depression, and lowers stress levels. When paired with physical activity, shared purpose, and supportive peer connection, the impact is even greater.
Trail work, for example, is more than physical labor—it’s a way for veterans to continue serving their country in a meaningful way, contributing to public lands and the well-being of their community.
By creating opportunities for veterans to connect in non-clinical, stigma-free environments, we reduce isolation, strengthen peer networks, and offer tools for long-term resilience.
Our Impact
We’ve served hundreds of veterans across Douglas County and beyond through hiking, fishing, trail restoration, weekend retreats, and hands-on workshops. Our participants often tell us these experiences are life-changing—providing a renewed sense of purpose, camaraderie, and healing.
We partner with local agencies, veteran advocates, and land managers to make our work possible—and to ensure it reflects the real needs of the people we serve.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community—one mile of trail, one campfire, one shared moment at a time.