The renovation of a historical Tudor-style Port Angeles home that will become a retreat center for families of fallen service members got a boost this month with a $12,000 Western Region grant award from The Home Depot Foundation.

Upon its completion anticipated by year’s end, Captain Joseph House, a former B&B owned by Gold Star Mom Betsy Schultz, will provide a place where military families from around the country can come to heal, make new memories and rebuild family traditions without their loved one.

Extending the continuum of care available through other military, religious, private and public organizations, Captain Joseph House is the only program of its kind in the United States.

Schultz, founder of the Captain Joseph House Foundation, said “We are so grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for believing in the mission of Captain Joseph House and partnering with us to move the vision forward. In addition to their generous donation, a local team of Home Depot volunteers will be helping us with painting, flooring, plumbing and electrical work, sheetrock and landscaping.”

Captain Joseph House was named after Schultz’s son, Capt. Joseph William Schultz, a Green Beret who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country on Memorial Day Weekend 2011 while on active duty in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Once completed, up to three families at a time will have the opportunity to stay at the house for six days, Sunday through Friday, 11 months out of the year.

Cash donations to the Captain Joseph House Foundation can be made on its website or Facebook page via PayPal.

See www.captainjosephhousefoundation.org.