Giving the Gift of Hope and Healing
Nestled off the Little Manatee River between Snake Island and the mainland of Ruskin, Florida, sits My Warrior’s Place, a place of tranquility and peace founded by Kelly Kowell, mom to Corey, who gave his life in service to our country in Afghanistan, September 2009.
Messages from heaven led Kelly after the loss of her son, from billboard signs to mysterious gas stations, messages on pillows, and side-of-road boats.
In a clear and perfect dream, Kelly was instructed to buy a boat she had seen for sale on the side of the road. By December 2009, Kelly was busy providing boating expeditions to all of her and Corey’s favorite places for veterans and families of the fallen. Blessings continued; the following year, Kelly’s non-profit was formed.
Over the following years, and multiple shell casings (read Kelly Kowell’s book**), Kelly began a grief and peer mentoring program she named ‘Project Corregidor,’ Corregidor being a nickname given to her son as a boy, purchased and revitalized a veteran’s retreat in Ruskin, and impacted many, many lives.
My Warrior’s Place has become a refuge to find peace, camaraderie, and support for veterans, Gold, Blue, and Silver Star families, law enforcement, active service members, and firefighters. Programs at My Warrior’s Place include the MWP Retreat Center, My Service Dog’s Place, Operation Solid 7, FAVE Boating Expeditions, Everyday Heroes USA, and Kelly’s newest location, My Warrior’s Place in Punta Gorda.
There are many powerful and magical things to come for Kelly and everyone she touches in this life. An ALL-volunteer staff runs my Warrior’s Place, so your participation is always welcome if you are interested in helping. After Idalia in September 2023, a lot of work must be done. Ways to help at My Warrior’s Place include becoming a Volunteer, Gardening and Landscaping, Assisting with boating and fishing expeditions, property maintenance, and My Warrior’s Place events.
If you recognize the power of friendship, how a day on the water fishing and boating can make a person smile, or the need for a place where someone who is hurting can turn, then please donate to My Warrior’s Place, a Florida 501(c)3 via their website.
813-321-0880
**My Life After…the Death of My Son, A Story of Miracles, available on Amazon Kindle
My Warrior’s Place Christmas Wish List
“We had such devastating damage after hurricane Idalia; any help via gift cards to Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, or other stores, and any cash donations would help us to replace items we lost in the storm and materials for repairs to our buildings and structures.”