A Month of Planning,
Progress & Looking Ahead
As we close out July and prepare to begin a new fiscal year, I want to thank each of you for your continued commitment to Verdant Valor Sanctuary. This month has been filled with meaningful progress in financial planning, program development, land exploration, and professional growth. While much of the work remains behind the scenes, the foundation we are building is becoming stronger each month.
🌾 Quarterly Board Meeting & Financial Planning
Our Quarterly Board Meeting was held on July 26, where we reviewed preliminary financial forecasts and discussed projected costs associated with launching Verdant Valor Sanctuary. These projections represent an important first step in understanding the financial needs of the organization.
Moving forward, one of our priorities will be developing a comprehensive financial pitch deck that clearly communicates our assumptions, projected revenue streams, startup costs, and long-term sustainability strategy. This resource will be invaluable as we begin engaging potential donors, grant funders, and community partners.
As we close out our fiscal year, we are also working toward establishing a relationship with a CPA to ensure strong financial oversight and to guide us through nonprofit tax reporting, including preparation of the IRS Form 990-EZ.
📣 Land Search Update
Melissa traveled to North Carolina this month to continue evaluating potential properties in Western North Carolina. Several parcels were explored, with one particularly promising property located in Bostic, North Carolina, which will continue to be evaluated as part of our ongoing land search strategy.
While the search continues, each property visit helps refine our understanding of what will best support Verdant Valor Sanctuary’s long-term vision for therapeutic programming, conservation, accessibility, and sustainable development.
🏡 Program Development & Medicaid Research
Program development continues to gain momentum through ongoing collaboration with ConnectIDD and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Together, we are refining the structure of the Day Habilitation program to ensure it is person-centered, operationally sound, and responsive to the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Melissa has also been participating in North Carolina Medicaid webinars and IDD educational sessions to better understand upcoming legislative and policy changes affecting services throughout the state. Recent reforms are focused on improving quality of care, strengthening care coordination, expanding accountability, and increasing access to person-centered supports. These developments will help shape future programming and position Verdant Valor Sanctuary to align with evolving Medicaid expectations and best practices.
🌿 Research & Inspiration
This month also provided opportunities to gather ideas that will influence the future look and feel of Verdant Valor Sanctuary.
Melissa traveled to Miami to celebrate Josh’s 40th birthday on July 19, while also visiting botanical gardens and studying landscape layouts that could inspire future garden design and therapeutic outdoor spaces. Together, Josh and Melissa also visited TeaNsanity to explore how specialty teas are stored, displayed, and marketed. These visits generated ideas for future horticultural products, educational programming, and potential retail opportunities that align with the sanctuary’s mission.
Happy 40th Birthday, Josh! Thank you for your continued creativity and dedication to the vision of VVS.
🎓 Practicum Nearing Completion
With practicum drawing to a close, the work completed over the past several months has produced valuable planning resources that will continue benefiting Verdant Valor Sanctuary long after graduation. From operational planning and regulatory research to financial modeling and site utilization concepts, these deliverables have established a strong framework for the organization’s next stage of development.
As this phase concludes, our attention will shift toward implementation, board member recruitment, financial readiness, and continued organizational growth.
🔭 Looking Ahead
Several exciting opportunities are on the horizon:
- Board member recruitment efforts will begin as we continue strengthening leadership and organizational expertise.
- Melissa will attend the DallasLIVE Nonprofit Networking Event on August 13 to build relationships and identify additional resources for Verdant Valor Sanctuary.
- Plans are underway to attend the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA) Conference in October 2026 to continue expanding knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic programming.
- Graduation planning has officially begun, with commencement weekend scheduled for December 11 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
🌿 Closing Reflection
As we prepare to enter a new fiscal year, I want to sincerely thank each board member for believing in this vision and remaining committed throughout this season of planning and development. Your encouragement, ideas, and willingness to invest your time have helped move Verdant Valor Sanctuary from a dream into an organization with a clear direction and growing momentum.
I hope each of you enjoys the remainder of your summer. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the months ahead as we continue building a sanctuary grounded in healing, dignity, and community.