Launching a Dream

Steps. For many years, my concern about the steps leading into the cabins was primarily about their safety after a winter storm or their ongoing need for repair due to squirrel damage.

But eventually I noticed a pattern. People who had been coming regularly for many years would tell me, sadly, “This is probably my last retreat at Cedars.”  Why? Because every cabin requires climbing steps and, at some point, age or illness makes the steps an impossible hurdle. 

My eyes were opened. The steps have been a barrier to guests who’ve had to stop coming. And what about people who have never even been able to consider a retreat because of a disability? One look at our website makes it clear that our cabins aren’t a welcoming place for them. 

At Loretto, we’re committed to welcoming people no matter what they believe, the color of their skin or who they love, but what does it mean for us to welcome people living with disabilities? That learning is what we’re living into now as we launch a dream to build an accessible cabin.

If you would like to make a donation in support of the creation of Belonging cabin, you may do so here.