Hannah Olexy, Peer Advocate Specialist
My name is Hannah Olexy, and for those of you who don’t know me, I am the Peer Advocate Specialist here at Moonlit Acres Retreat Farm. I also just completed my very first year in this role—and what a year it’s been!
As a peer advocate, my job is to help our guests feel welcome, supported, and at home. And I have to say, this past year has been incredibly rewarding. Some of my friends—before they found Moonlit—had very little connection to their community. Many were isolated and had faced rejection due to the barriers and inaccessibility that are still too common.
From the beginning, it’s been our mission to create an open and inclusive space for everyone. We’ve worked hard to make sure our events are accessible and welcoming, and I’ve seen firsthand how deeply that matters.
I remember one guest in particular—her first event with us was incredibly hard. She had just transitioned out of the school system and felt very alone. That evening, she spent most of her time in the living room crying. I sat with her and listened. I learned that she loved baseball, so I put a game on to help her feel more at ease. It didn’t solve everything, but it was a start. She came back again, and again—and now? She’s the life of the party.
That moment reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Ted Lasso:
“If you care about someone, and you’ve got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”
And that couldn’t be more true.
I’ve been with Moonlit Acres since it was just an idea—a seed. And now, I’m seeing it bloom into something truly beautiful. This year, I’ve witnessed so much growth in my friends. One highlight is our Friday Night Yoga group at Downtown Yoga.
When we started, most of our group had never done yoga before. Many didn’t have any kind of self-care routine and felt unsure about trying it. But we’ve made it a welcoming space where yoga really is for every body. Now we have regulars who have learned to completely let go of their worries when they step on the mat. Some even fall asleep during the final relaxation—so we must be doing something right!
Looking ahead, our goal is to bring even more wellness to the community—more ways for people to care for themselves, body and mind. Because at Moonlit Acres, time slows down just enough for people to breathe, to connect, and to appreciate the good things in life.
For me, the most meaningful part of this year has been the growth I’ve seen in my peers. Yes, we do fun things—gardening, cooking, bonfire parties, yoga, art—but the impact goes so much deeper. I’ve seen people who once sat silently in the corner discover a passion for gardening and come alive. I’ve seen someone beam with pride after cooking a meal that everyone shared and celebrated. I’ve seen friends who use wheelchairs light up with pure joy because they were included—fully included—in everything.
I’ve seen so much growth. And none of this would be possible without you. Your support has helped us create experiences that build confidence, community, and lasting friendships. It has allowed people to feel safe enough to be their authentic selves.
Thank you for listening to my year in review—and thank you for being part of this journey. With your help, we’ll continue to make Moonlit Acres a place of belonging, joy, and possibility for everyone.