MOUNT VERNON — A peaceful, remote setting can soon be enjoyed by local and surrounding foster care providers as a close-to-home cabin retreat getaway. Paula Kyle will soon open the Foster Family Retreat and Conference Center just west of Mount Vernon as a much-needed respite for those offering foster care or other agencies desiring a retreat or wishing to conduct a conference.
Author of the book “On the Edge of Unthinkable,” Kyle is a former foster child of the Knox County foster care system and has been a speaker for conferences and numerous special events. She has shared her tragic story of losing her mother at a young age, being separated from her siblings, and enduring physical and emotional abuse while being raised in numerous Knox County foster homes.
After residing in her rustic wooded cabin for nine years while finishing her memoir, Kyle has decided to open her home so that foster families and agencies can enjoy the serenity of the peaceful setting as a way to “get away from it all.” The facility is a one–unit, three-bedroom cabin, fully furnished, and can accommodate up to 30 people for a conference setting.
Several walking paths are located on the property for those wishing to do a little outdoor exploration. Equine horse therapy sessions are also available where participants can interact with one of the many horses a few miles from the cabin site.
A grand opening ribbon-cutting event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Beverages and refreshments will be served. There will be opportunities throughout this time to go see the equine friends at the facility. For more information, email edgeofunthinkable@yahoo.com.
