Mission Flexible: wellness in action
“No one is healed in isolation.” ~ bell hooks
Writing | Yoga | Meditation | Camaraderie
We support military Veterans who are living with post-traumatic stress by providing immersive mindfulness retreats.
Mission Flexible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by author, wellness guide, and former actor Lisa Jakub
Are you a Vet? Are you on Facebook? Join our private MF Group!
About MF retreats
Mission Flexible offers immersive mindfulness retreats for Veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress. We focus on physical activities plus deep emotional work to help Veterans process the invisible wounds sustained during their time in service.
What does this look like?
We cultivate calmness, (physical) clarity, (mental) and connection (to self and community) through our core practices:
“This retreat reignited a peace and forgiveness in me that I will forever be grateful for.”
— Sgt. Nichole Wood, U.S. Marine Corps
How we are different:
We provide Veterans with the camaraderie they had in the military while giving them the tools to survive in the civilian world.
We believe that if you served in the military, you are a Veteran. We have no requirements for time in service, combat experience, deployments, or medical diagnosis.
Many of our classes are taught by Veterans who have gone through the MF program - they believe in the power of these healing modalities and are passionate about sharing with other Vets.
We do deep emotional work on our retreats, and we have tons of fun. We leave spaciousness in our schedule for rest and integration. Go ahead -be five minutes late for class — no one will yell at you.
We are non-denominational and have no religious affiliation.
We are not a one-and-done organization. Each of our retreats is unique and covers different tools — for not just coping — but thriving. Veterans are welcomed back to multiple retreats, to reconnect and refresh their skills. We stay in touch monthly (virtual retreats) weekly, (online yoga/meditation classes), and daily (via WhatsApp). Mission Flexible Veterans never have to feel alone.
A few things to know:
No experience in yoga, writing, or meditation is required - beginners are very welcome!
Attendees must be Veterans or active duty service members of the armed forces and have no record of violent criminal behavior. We accept between 12 -18 participants per retreat.
Retreats are fully funded by our donors. Veterans pay nothing to attend, although attendees do need to arrange and cover their transportation to the retreat location.
Retreats are four days and three nights, and locations for retreats vary. Three meals a day will be provided along with accommodation, which may be single or double occupancy.
Attendees must provide proof of military service
No alcohol or firearms are permitted on retreat.
Service dogs are welcome but must be cleared in advance of the retreat. Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed at our retreat locations. Service dogs must have already completed their training and behave according to ADA requirements. If this is not the case, you and your dog will be required to leave the retreat immediately.
If diversity makes you uncomfortable, this is not going to be the place for you. Retreats are co-ed. We welcome all service members from any era. We are inclusive and embrace diversity. We welcome LGBTQ+ service members. We welcome people of all genders, races, religions, and backgrounds.
If you are chosen for a retreat, a deposit of $100 will be required to hold your space. This deposit will be fully refunded immediately after the retreat. No-shows or cancellations within 45 days of the retreat will forfeit this deposit. (Deposit can be waived according to means.)
Upcoming Mission Flexible Retreats:
November 10 - 15, 2024: Kripalu, Stockbridge, MA
2025 Retreats
February 6 - 9, 2025 - Austin, TX
May 15 - 18, 2025 - Madison, VA
July 17 - 20, 2025 - Colorado Springs, CO
September 7 - 12, 2025 - Kripalu, Stockbridge, MA
November 20 - 23, 2025 - Houston, TX
It is our goal to offer mindfulness tools and camaraderie to improve the mental wellness of military Veterans. We believe that peer-to-peer therapy cultivates a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to support others brings a deep sense of purpose. No one heals in isolation.
What is a typical schedule for retreat?
Content and activities are different on each retreat, depending on our location, and all activities are optional.
“Well, in just a few words: you saved my life.”
— N.J. Navy Veteran
Testimonials from our Veterans:
“The retreat was the most worthwhile thing I've done for myself in years. I wish I had found this when I first retired from the Army. “
- J.B. (Army)
“My life is richer and fuller than it was before the retreat.”
-S.E (Marine)
“When I say this is a life saving organization, I mean that in every literal sense. This organization literally saved my life, and without a doubt, hundreds of others.”
- H.M (Army)
“My struggles reached a point where I found myself living out of my car, trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, without a support network of family or friends. That all changed when I attended the Mission Flexible retreat. The weekend was transformative. It provided me with a sense of support that I had been desperately lacking. The tools and resources offered at the retreat were exactly what I needed but couldn't access through regular VA channels. It marked the beginning of my healing journey.”
- A.L (Marine)
“The retreat changed my life. It brought me back to when I was serving on Active Duty. I had never met any of the folks that I went on the retreat with, but every single one of them is now someone I trust. I’ve built a support group that includes more than just those I was on the retreat with, because it’s with every single vet that is a part of Mission Flexible. I have new ways to cope with stress, new outlets for expending energy and ways to help calm my mind to help with sleep. I don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for this group of awesome people or the things that I learned and did on the retreat.”
-G.W. (Navy)
“Mission flexible retreat helped me realize that it is okay to be vulnerable & how to express my emotions in healthy ways. Lisa has a calm presence which created a welcoming space & I couldn’t be more thankful.”
-S.K (Army)
Being able to get my emotions out on paper and out of my head has been one of the most important tools I have gained in my life. Forever grateful to you, your organization, and the people I have had the pleasure of interacting with. This is the first time in my life, where I am actually looking forward to the coming year. Thank you for starting me on this journey of healing.
- J.F. (Army)
“Lisa is our special civilian we all hold near and dear - she has a way of getting through that others just haven’t managed to accomplish. It’s extremely therapeutic for my ptsd and depression and just life in general.”
— J.M. (Marine)
“The MFer retreat is something I needed and need more of. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and for giving me something to believe in — myself.”
- J.F. (Army)
“Thanks so much for opening me up to the healing I am experiencing through your meditation and yoga sessions.”
-C.K. (Marine)
“Thank you! You don’t fully understand how strong or how much I truly appreciate you and how much you have changed my life. I can’t find the words to describe it all to you but just know it’s a lot more than you can imagine!”
- S.P (Marine)
“Finding Lisa and the Mission Flexible group has had a significant impact on my life and mental wellness.”
- M.C. (Navy)
I’m beyond grateful for the things Lisa and her crew continue to do for both myself and all the veterans she comes into contact with. I can’t wait for the next one!
- R.R (Marine)
“These retreats have given me more than I could ever ask for. They have given me friendships, family, trust and adventures I never knew were waiting for me. With the tools I have learned, I have become more wanting for life — not only for me but for my fellow veterans.”
— D.M. (Army)
“Mission Flexible retreat felt more like a homecoming. To eat, sleep, yoga, and meditate with complete strangers for three days was at first a huge stressor, but now we have lifelong battle buddies. Emotions were high, but so was the level of acceptance.”
- N.A (Air Force)
“Thank you for teaching me how to feel my emotions and put them on paper. It has helped me and will always continue to help me on getting my feelings out in a positive way.”
— J.K. (Army)
“Thank you Lisa for opening your arms so wide for all Veterans. I will do yoga today for sure and will be thankful for meeting you.”
— B.M. (Air Force)
“You have singlehandedly given me tools that I didn't know I needed, taught me how to use them, and got me back to me just being me.”
-F.W. (Navy)
“The retreat made me feel things I haven't felt in a long time, if ever. I love the camaraderie and the program as a whole.”
-S.R. (Air Force)
“Your mission and dedication are truly commendable. Wars are indeed won with logistics, and your fight for good is inspiring. Keep up the great work.”
-A.C. (Marine)
“Your kindness has touched my heart in ways I cannot fully express. Your actions have been a beacon of light in my life.”
- R.T (Army)
“Going on these retreats has helped me work through some of my PTS. I always learn something new or a new way to look at life’s challenges. Two months ago I was at one of my lowest points and attended a retreat. By the end I was laughing and having a good time.”
- M.V (Marine)
“In our first Zoom interview, you said that the retreat could be transformational, and I expressed my caution about getting my hopes up. I’m pleasantly surprised to say I believe I’m witnessing some significant type of positive transformation going on inside, like nothing I’ve experienced before.”
- A.G. (Marine)
“My heart was overwhelmed by the love, activities, and location. The laughter was so much needed at this point in my life. Tears (of joy) will not stop flowing.
- M.B. (Army)
“Mission Flexible is a life support system for me. The connections I’ve formed are so genuine and really make getting through life easier.”
- K.L. (Marine)
Lisa is a very genuine, warm, compassionate, and uncommonly empathetic soul. She's one of the most gifted counselors and mental health and wellness authorities I've ever met. Everyone that participated felt that she was there for us and to see us be better people.
- J.G. (Army)
“For me, this was a defining moment. It was at once comforting and uncomfortable. It was everything I didn't know I truly needed. And now I'm going to make sure I pay that gift forward by using what we learned.
What I experienced here is something I will hold onto forever. I felt the connections and warmth of old friends and family, but the excitement and electricity of meeting someone new. This was healing, and building, and scary and painful (at times)… but it felt as though it was with the right people and energy in the right place.”
- J.L. (Army)
“It has been quite some time since I have felt unguarded and understood while sitting in a room. You have done what very few have facilitated in the past. I see the healing you bring to so many. It's truly an inspiration for so many of us.”
-R.R. (Army)
“What I experienced was a greater time to reflect, release, relax, recommit to myself, learn, and increase my level of gratitude with tears of joy.”
- T.M. (Air Force)
“I felt an overwhelming sense of being safe, understood, accepted, and loved in the midst of the group.”
-F.G. (Marine)
“Lisa’s approach is unique and effective because her genuine love for those around her encourages kindness, openness and the courage to explore our innermost fears. She relates to our traumas and our need to be seen, heard, and understood on our own terms. She knows how to reach out and give us stability so we can stand and gaze up, not down.”
- M.C. (Navy)
“I was moved to tears as I acknowledged I was doing something for myself and how this brings me hope.”
- S.W. (Marine)
“I’m functioning well in society, but underneath it’s a Battle every day. Thank you for all you have done, continue to do, and will do for the veteran community. I got out of my comfort zone to do the weekend retreat and I appreciate you for offering these. Not sure who was more amazed, my adult kiddos or the wife!”
— S.E. (Navy)
Our Past Retreats:
Click the link to watch the recap videos!
Sept 2022 - Camp for All, Burton, TX
January 2023 - Lotus Ranch, Wimberley, TX
May 2023 - Seven Oaks, Madison, VA
August 2023 - Skyland Camp, Clyde, NC
November 2023 - Camp for All, Burton, TX
January 2024 - Lotus Ranch, Wimberley, TX
March 2024 - Casa Om, Martinsburg, WV
Many thanks for the generous donations:
Mission Flexible is entirely dependent on donations. Every dollar goes to supporting Veterans. Thank you!
If you’d like to get more information about donations, corporate sponsorship, upcoming retreats and programs, please sign up for our newsletter below!