On a hillside outside of downtown Spokane, Washington, a respite of peace serves thousands of visitors from around the region. These guests face any number of challenges, from addiction to depression to cancer to PTSD, but among the lush grounds of the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center, they can find support, calm and a path forward to a stronger tomorrow.
Founded a half-century ago as a place for people to find peace and privacy as they take a quiet moment for personal reflection, the Center, rooted in the Catholic faith, serves nearly 7,000 guests every year from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Guests have the option of attending a prearranged retreat program or signing up for a personal getaway for a few hours or a few days. With no WiFi or cable TV, visitors have the opportunity to truly unplug from day-to-day life and invest some time connecting with their own personal challenges and identifying opportunities for growth.
At the Murdock Trust, we frequently discuss our commitment to investing in helping organizations establish and grow capacity. One of the key ways we do this is by helping fund basic infrastructure elements for organizations in need. The Retreat Center is a shining example of this type of investment. While not the flashiest or most publicized project on its grounds, the Murdock Trust recently provided funding to help the Center replace its septic system, a resource we can all agree is critical to the long-term operation of Immaculate Heart.
While we did not get an up-close look at this particular investment, members of the Murdock Trust staff did recently tour the grounds during a visit to the Spokane area. Our entire team was stunned by the beauty and calm offered by this facility. It’s no wonder that individuals have been coming to Immaculate Heart to find peace since the late ’50s, and in today’s constantly connected world it is no surprise that the facility is already booking reservations through 2021.
We want to thank the wonderful support team that keeps the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center open and running throughout the year so individuals in need can seek the help, wisdom and guidance they need to grow and prosper.
