Kieth M.
08-19-2007, 06:03 PM
If you've never heard of this place, or its founder, perhaps you would like to learn more about it. Of course, to accomplish the goals will take donations. But, if you like to work hard, they accept labor as well!:D
The website is: www.drpo.org
Peace, Rest and Healing at the Desert Refuge Center
“Work and pray” is the motto of Father Michael McCullough, Executive Director of the Desert Refuge for Peace Officers (DRPO) located in the desert community of Joshua Tree, California. The DRPO is the vision of Father Mike, as he is known by his fellow officers, a Catholic Priest, LAPD Reserve Officer and law enforcement chaplain.
Through his 28 years of ministering to the law enforcement community, Father Mike was led to offer a place of rest and healing to police officers and those who support law enforcement.
The DRPO rests on five acres of land in the solitude of the community of Joshua Tree. Over 45 species of birds have been located in the area and various desert and drought resistant plants surround the DRPO. “Our purpose is to provide officers with a retreat, offering respite, relief and an opportunity to seek some balance from the often emotionally and physically challenging career,” said Deputy Chief Gary Brennan, a DRPO Board member.
Father Mike’s vision began in 1984 when he decided to offer a place of strength and support for those dealing with the stress and crisis that comes with a career in law enforcement. “The healing is what touches me the most about the center. Without TV and distractions, people take the time The Desert Refuge for Peace Officers is a nonprofit organization. All charitable donations will help the refuge to further develop the land, provide housing facilities for guests, a kitchen with home cooked meals and a chapel for nourishing the soul.
Work parties contribute by providing the labor that keeps the to think and listen. There is unbelievable beauty in simplicity,” said McCullough. Finding help and funding continues to be a challenge to the DRPO, but the facility continues to be strengthened through donations of time and money. “I come out to the center the first weekend of every month. We serve everyone in law enforcement from officers, to the support staff,” said McCullough.
Over 70 visitors traveled to Joshua Tree in 2002 to experience the DRPO. There have been 357 visitors since the centers inception in 1984. The DRPO is publicized through a mailing list, at Department events and by word of mouth. It is a nondenominational center where people of all faiths are encouraged to come for restoration, relaxation and healing. “My joy is seeing someone who was struggling, leave with peace and a resolution,” says Father Mike. “It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Donations to the Desert Refuge for
Peace Officers are always welcome.
For further information, please contact:
Father Mike McCullough
DESERT REFUGE FOR PEACE
OFFICERS, INC.
2515 West MLK Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008-2728
Telephone: (323) 298-7174
The website is: www.drpo.org
Peace, Rest and Healing at the Desert Refuge Center
“Work and pray” is the motto of Father Michael McCullough, Executive Director of the Desert Refuge for Peace Officers (DRPO) located in the desert community of Joshua Tree, California. The DRPO is the vision of Father Mike, as he is known by his fellow officers, a Catholic Priest, LAPD Reserve Officer and law enforcement chaplain.
Through his 28 years of ministering to the law enforcement community, Father Mike was led to offer a place of rest and healing to police officers and those who support law enforcement.
The DRPO rests on five acres of land in the solitude of the community of Joshua Tree. Over 45 species of birds have been located in the area and various desert and drought resistant plants surround the DRPO. “Our purpose is to provide officers with a retreat, offering respite, relief and an opportunity to seek some balance from the often emotionally and physically challenging career,” said Deputy Chief Gary Brennan, a DRPO Board member.
Father Mike’s vision began in 1984 when he decided to offer a place of strength and support for those dealing with the stress and crisis that comes with a career in law enforcement. “The healing is what touches me the most about the center. Without TV and distractions, people take the time The Desert Refuge for Peace Officers is a nonprofit organization. All charitable donations will help the refuge to further develop the land, provide housing facilities for guests, a kitchen with home cooked meals and a chapel for nourishing the soul.
Work parties contribute by providing the labor that keeps the to think and listen. There is unbelievable beauty in simplicity,” said McCullough. Finding help and funding continues to be a challenge to the DRPO, but the facility continues to be strengthened through donations of time and money. “I come out to the center the first weekend of every month. We serve everyone in law enforcement from officers, to the support staff,” said McCullough.
Over 70 visitors traveled to Joshua Tree in 2002 to experience the DRPO. There have been 357 visitors since the centers inception in 1984. The DRPO is publicized through a mailing list, at Department events and by word of mouth. It is a nondenominational center where people of all faiths are encouraged to come for restoration, relaxation and healing. “My joy is seeing someone who was struggling, leave with peace and a resolution,” says Father Mike. “It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Donations to the Desert Refuge for
Peace Officers are always welcome.
For further information, please contact:
Father Mike McCullough
DESERT REFUGE FOR PEACE
OFFICERS, INC.
2515 West MLK Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008-2728
Telephone: (323) 298-7174