For a number of years, Homeward Bound Adirondacks (HBA) has been in pursuit of a permanent venue to facilitate retreats for veterans and their families. Recently, HBA has commenced the development of a new, dedicated facility on a picturesque 105-acre expanse adjacent to the Adirondack Park boundary near Malone, NY. This site, which pays tribute to Army Sergeant Carlton Clark who tragically lost his life in Iraq in 2006 at the age of 22, is poised to become a sanctuary for military veterans.

The envisioned retreat center will be a haven where veterans can seek solace and healing from the psychological impacts of intensive combat, such as PTSD. Over the past 5 to 6 years, HBA has conducted these therapeutic retreats at various locations across the Adirondacks. Until recently, the organization has operated from a leased property, but the acquisition of this new land marks a significant milestone.

The planned development includes a lodge that will be the heart of retreat activities, offering a supportive environment for veterans and their families as they navigate the challenges associated with post-service trauma. The property itself boasts over a hundred acres of diverse landscapes, encompassing three ponds, open meadows, forested areas, and untouched wilderness. Additionally, it features an extensive network of scenic trails and old logging roads, further enhancing the therapeutic potential of the environment.

October 5, 2022

The Lavigne Family’s Generous Contribution

Mr. Kirk Lavigne is shown along with Homeward Bound Adirondacks Directors Jason Murray and Andrea Stewart, for the presentation of a check for $8,000.00 towards the construction of a Memorial Garden at the site of the Sgt. Carlton A. Clark Veterans Center on NYS Route 30 in Lake Titus, Malone NY. This donation is being made in honor of the twenty-five members of the Lavigne family who served in our Armed Forces.

December 15, 2021

Homeward Bound Gets a Deposit!

Community Bank donated $4000 to Homeward Bound Adirondacks designated for building the entrance gate to the retreat center.

September 30, 2021

If We Build It, They Will Come

Malone AMVETS Ed and Lee Tatro are shown here delivering two cedar picnic tables to the late Frank Dorchak, a member of the HBA Board, at the site of the Sgt. Carlton A. Clark Veterans Center in Fall 2021. The picnic tables were donated by AMVETS Post 8 Malone. Also shown in the photo are volunteers Garvin Burl and Bill Dampier. Mr. Burl and Mr. Dampier built a utility shed for HBA on the site. A well was dug for potable water and electrical service was installed at the site by late 2021. Development of other elements of the Veterans Center will be constructed incrementally as fundraising continues. The overall development will include a main lodge and cabins to accommodate an active program of retreats for veterans.

July 10, 2021

Ground Breaking Ceremony

Homeward Bound has purchased 105 acres of wilderness near Lake Titus in Malone, NY for development of a retreat center for veterans coping with PTSD and other issues which impact their full readjustment to civilian life. The groundbreaking for the Sgt. Carlton A. Clark Veterans Center took place on July 10, 2021. We were blessed with great weather, good food and fantastic company on a day in which we expressed our commitment to improving the lives of our veterans. We were honored to have Kathy and Alan Clark, Carlton Clark’s parents, with us for the ground breaking. A capital campaign to allow us to complete the Veterans Center is underway.