WEST PARIS — On Dec. 1, the First Universalist Church of West Paris was visited by Jeff Holley, creator of the Ripple Retreat. On the church’s Facebook, his message was described as “how one person can make a difference in the world,” or the “Ripple Retreat Effect.” Holley was invited to speak by Marta Clements. Clements was recognized back in April 0f 2024 as the volunteer of the year for her work with the church, which has continued with bringing in speakers such as Holley.

The ripple retreat itself is described as “a non-alcohol turnkey retreat center, recovery space, and outdoor event space” on its webpage. It describes the goal as “Spreading positive ripples in the world.” This includes pictures of some of the acts of service and aid that have been performed by this program, such as reconstruction of a house that was destroyed by fire back in 2022.

Holley is a veteran, having served in the air force for 27 years. During that time his experiences with alcoholism led to the creation of the Ripple Retreat, with a focus on community service and aid to those in need.

The goal described on the Ripple Retreat’s website includes the hope that one day the retreat will be able to “give 75% of that profit to the town of West Paris and to local charities.” He shared this message with the local church, alongside music by Davey Sturtevant,