Rose Ann and Chuck Points, owners of St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises, Inc. recently hosted law enforcement professionals during Texas 635′s Blue’s Space program in St. Augustine, Fla. The peer supported retreat for men and women officers includes psychological and physical health activities through immersion in nature. Activities were held at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor and Anastasia State Park, among other locations.
The peer driven, non-clinical retreat included moderators, a chaplain and therapist during discussions and study groups, healing practices and sailing time on the Matanzas River and Intracoastal Waterway. The program encourages physical and psychological health through involvement in sailing and nature, building camaraderie, and inspiring intellectual development through personal reflection. In St. Augustine, lunch was featured along with kayaking on Salt Run.
The nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas, selected the local sailing company to partner on the program with more courses planned. According to Rose Ann Points, she and her team were honored to be working with Texas 635.
While the program is funded through donations, the cost is approximately $25,000 to complete a retreat. One of Texas 635′s mission is to improve mental wellbeing among thousands of officers who protect citizens throughout the U.S.
“The therapy and outreach experienced by these officers in the Blue’s Space program is remarkable. They take with them new tools to help with stress and anxiety,” said Carmen East, CEO and founder of Texas 635. “We are hoping with our data and success rate, that we can begin acquiring corporate sponsorships to benefit of our nation’s police force.”
St. Augustine Sailing crew members and area captains facilitated activities onboard the company’s best-in-class sailboats, ranging from 21 to 45 feet, during the Oct. 26 events. They provided one-on-one instruction while working with moderators, program leaders and participants.
“Our companies help people learn how to sail and enjoy the water. We work with beginners to seasoned sailors. The law enforcement program is an ongoing effort as we give back to those in need, and those who may have never experienced sailing, the techniques, and the water, wind and nature,” said Points.
Rose Ann and Chuck Points also contribute their time, fleet of sailing vessels, and expertise to fundraisers with Florida School of the Deaf and the Blind, St. Augustine Sailing Sisters and Betty Griffin Center, among others.
The mission of Texas 635 is to provide emotional support to the surviving spouse or family of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty and provides them with a one-time financial gift to help with immediate needs. The 501(c)3 organization is also committed to assisting the surviving coworker families in accessing supportive services available to help them cope during times of crisis. Programs and services provide an environment of care, concern, support and sympathy, letting survivors know they are not alone.
St. Augustine Sailing Enterprises serves the community as a certified American Sailing Association Training Facility with a well-maintained fleet of best-in-class sailboats from 21 to 45 feet at its harborfront office located along the Intracoastal Waterway and Matanzas River, near historic downtown St. Augustine and Vilano Beach. All captains and instructors at the business are certified by the American Sailing Association and are U.S. Coast Guard licensed.
For more information, call (904) 829-0648 or visit the website at StA-sail.com
