It began on the water, where retired U.S. Marine Doug Gresenz found hope in kayaking after suffering a brain injury and undergoing amputation. For 28 days, he unplugged, paddled and left everything on the shoreline. This hope led Gresenz to found the Redford Ranch Foundation, dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders and their families through holistic approaches to healing.
Now, that mission is taking shape through the foundation’s largest undertaking yet: an envisioned $9.4 million, 20,000-square-foot wellness center in Aransas Pass. The planned center is set to redefine accessibility and offer healing with a range of therapeutic, recreational and vocational services.
Across the 5-acre space sitting near the Gulf of Mexico, blended with the natural beauty of South Texas, healing will extend beyond traditional therapy rooms and create a place of connection with indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Guests may spend time on the water fishing or kayaking, and explore the outdoors through archery and equine therapy.
“I would go home [after therapy and] I would think about fishing and kayaking, get on Google Earth and plan a trip, and I realized that passion could be anything for anybody,” Gresenz said. “Most people who are struggling mentally, they isolate, and I want to build a place that is a sanctuary.”
The realization became part of Gresenz’s philosophy for the Redford Ranch. The path toward recovery is deeply individual; while kayaking gave him something to look forward to during his own recovery, another person might find that sense of purpose in fishing, fitness, art or a new skill. Healing can look different for everyone, which is why, in addition to outdoor recreation, The Redford Ranch Wellness Center plans to offer an indoor space for fitness, warm water therapy and recovery, while vocational training will help guests build skills for future careers.
“We just have to show them [that] there is a reason to keep living,” Gresenz added. “What gets you excited? What do you like to do? What are you willing to wake up early and get out of bed to do? You have the opportunity to try this thing again that you maybe did when you were a kid and forgot how awesome it was. I would love someday for the foundation to have the funding for us to be able to provide the tools for them to participate in this later on.”
The hope Gresenz found along the coastline has fueled his vision for the Redford Ranch Wellness Center, where others can have the opportunity to discover their own sense of connection, purpose and passion.
Caption: Supporters can help bring the Redford Ranch vision to life through donations or by purchasing available merchandise online.
Contact: redfordranch.org
