A Beacon of Hope: The Birth of The Sanctuary

Sometimes, the clearest sense of purpose emerges only after tragedy strikes. For Melinda and Jason Moyes, heartbreak became the driving force behind a dream—one that would lift others out of darkness and create space for healing. Their vision took shape in the wide-open expanse of Wyoming’s countryside, where the wind whispers through tall grass and the mountains stand guard under endless skies. This is where The Sanctuary, a residential treatment center for young women who have experienced trauma, is coming to life.

In those early days, the idea was simply a quiet hope, a tender seed barely taking root. But Melinda and Jason carried it gently, nurturing the possibility. They wanted a haven—a safe place infused with the peace of nature. “We are wanting to develop a residential treatment center for young women who have experienced trauma,” Jason explains. It wouldn’t be just another building or program, but a true refuge. “The stories I’ve heard of some of the suffering of these girls,” he continues, voice thick with emotion. “It breaks your heart.”

For years, they’d witnessed what so many families face: a life-altering event like abuse, violence, exploitation, or tragedy that can rob young women of hope. Wounds left unseen fester, and healing can feel impossible. But the Moyes knew from personal experience that from the ashes of despair can spring something beautiful. 

They are gathering a team—clinicians, builders, community leaders—and are seeking wide-ranging support. “This is a big dream and a big project,” Melinda says. “We need support by connections with people that know different people as well as financial help.” It would be a collective effort, a tapestry woven from many hands and hearts.

To understand why The Sanctuary matters so deeply, one must know the story that shaped Melinda and Jason’s resolve. A few days after Christmas, long before this dream took form, the Moyes family nearly lost everything. A neighbor spotted flames surging from their chimney, and in moments, the attic was ablaze. Jason rushed outside, thinking maybe he could stifle the threat, while Melinda raced upstairs to rescue their children. They escaped with only minutes to spare—just five to ten minutes after they emerged, the ceiling above the children’s bed collapsed in a fiery crash.

Their children survived, but something took hold of their daughter’s mind in the wake of that night. As the physical flames died down, emotional embers smoldered within her thoughts. Sleep turned to anxiety; anxiety fed depression and despair. “Yeah, it was very emotional,” Melinda recalls, her voice quiet but steady. “It makes you really evaluate what really matters.”

They sought help. It was only then they realized two painful truths: their family was not alone in its need, and there simply weren’t adequate resources available. “We reached out for help,” Jason explains, “and what we found was that there are a lot of people out there needing help, especially for their daughters. But there’s very little help out there for them.” Standing at the crossroads of heartbreak and urgency, the couple understood what they must do. They would create the space so that others would find the help they needed—The Sanctuary.

This vision soon crystallized into something tangible: a state-of-the-art lodge in the heart of Wyoming’s serene wilderness. “The lodge will be a completely self-sustaining building,” Jason describes with hopeful enthusiasm. It will house administration offices, but more importantly, it will offer a dedicated space for these young women. “It will have its own kitchen, an observatory-type room, art room, dance room, multipurpose rooms. Everything can happen inside the Sanctuary Lodge.”

Nature’s gentleness will guide healing. Outside, miles of trails invite reflection and solace. And then, there are the horses. Wyoming’s storied relationship with these majestic animals is no coincidence. “It wasn’t until I experienced it with my own daughter that I began to see how powerful the connection between a horse and a human can be,” Melinda shares, her eyes shining with understanding. “There’s capability for an emotional connection that goes far beyond words or work that can be done inside a clinician’s office.”

Here, in this carefully crafted environment—embraced by nature, nurtured by professional therapists, and supported by gentle creatures—these young women will find the tools to reclaim their sense of safety and hope. Licensed clinicians will use cutting-edge therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual’s needs. Every element of The Sanctuary is designed with intention, weaving together the beauty of the natural world, innovative therapy, and communal support.

As the vision solidifies, the call for partners and supporters grows louder. “We need investors,” Jason says plainly. “We need people who understand the cost of getting something like this off the ground and want to be a part of that.” Melinda echoes this sentiment, joyful that some people are already asking how they can help. “We’re always extremely grateful when people ask that question,” she says. “There are so many ways people can be involved and be a part of this.”

The need is great, and the time is now. The Moyes understand that their work can change not just one life, but many. “I can’t wait to look in the eyes of other moms and know the journey was worthwhile,” Melinda says with quiet determination. “Because of the hope that is being provided through the work at The Sanctuary.”

This is their dream—born of hardship, strengthened by love, and dedicated to the idea that no one should suffer in silence or isolation. It is a beacon in the wilderness, a soft light shining through the shadows, guiding wounded hearts toward renewal. It is The Sanctuary.

Consider supporting The Sanctuary through 365 Days of Hope and join in on the journey!