Deeper Roots Foundation Launches Innovative Safari Programs to Help Veterans Heal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Johannesburg, South Africa—February 6, 2024—Deeper Roots Foundation proudly announces its official launch as a new nonprofit dedicated to helping past members of the armed forces find healing. Through its flagship program, Operation Soldiers on Safari (S.O.S.), the organization will offer all-expenses-paid retreats at Sable Plains Safaris north of Johannesburg, South Africa for an immersive experience in nature designed to address their challenges with post-traumatic stress.
“While in South Africa working on a film, my wife Sue and I first had the opportunity to visit Sable Plains Safaris,” says Deeper Roots co-founder Greg Schwabe, an US Army disabled veteran. “As I experienced firsthand the healing power of nature and photography, our idea for Deeper Roots Foundation and Operation S.O.S. was born.”
Welcoming veterans in intimate classes of six individuals per retreat, Operation S.O.S. will empower attendees to “re-lens” their lives through participating in animal conservation, game drives, professional photography workshops, community building, and personal reflection time. Post-retreat programming will also help ensure that the bonds veterans make while on safari can flourish even after they return home.
Schwabe is no stranger to the challenge of re-entering civilian life. Having grappled with post-traumatic stress (PTS) after twenty years of military service, he struggled to find balance as a husband, father, film-maker, and friend.
“While lauded for protecting their countries, members of the armed forces experience high rates of depression, suicidality, substance abuse, and other mental health conditions related to their service,” says Schwabe.“Deeper Roots exists to provide veterans, their families, foster children, and other people in need opportunities in nature to grow toward healing in supportive and rejuvenating environments.”
Deeper Roots seeks to host its inaugural Operation S.O.S. retreat in June 2024. The nonprofit invites individuals, businesses, and organizations to join them in their mission to support veterans on their healing journey. To learn more about the foundation and its programs, please visit deeperrootsfoundation.com
About Deeper Roots Foundation
Deeper Roots Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing healing and support for veterans coping with post-traumatic stress. Through innovative programs, therapeutic retreats, and community building, the foundation aims to empower veterans to re-lens their lives to develop resilience, purpose, and a renewed sense of agency. Visit deeperrootsfoundation.com and follow on Instagram @deeper_roots_foundation for more information.
