Guardian Hills

10/09/2026

Thank you to The Rotary Club of Columbia Missouri for welcoming Guardian Hills founders Jo and Dan Slawski and Executive Director Carroll Nelson Harris III to share the story behind Guardian Hills—how it began, the purpose that drives us, and our commitment to service.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with fellow community members and share how Guardian Hills supports veterans, military personnel, and first responders through resilience, connection, and purpose.

Thank you, Columbia Rotary, for your hospitality and the opportunity to share our story!

Pictured from Left:
Columbia Rotary Club President Jason Knipp; Guardian Hills founders Jo and Dan Slawski; and Guardian Hills Executive Director Carroll Harris III.

10/08/2026

We are back on Instagram! 📸

Follow Guardian Hills for stories of service, resilience, and connection, plus updates on our programs, community, and impact.

Please follow, like, and share: https://www.instagram.com/guardian_hills/

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10/06/2026

Building connections in our veteran community.

Guardian Hills Founder Jo Slawski and Executive Director Carroll Nelson Harris III recently had the opportunity to meet Laurie Honan, the new Director of the Vet Center. Guardian Hills graduate Bob Hartman was also there, bringing an important perspective as someone who has experienced the Guardian Hills program firsthand.

The Vet Center is a valued community partner, and we appreciate the important work Laurie and her team do to support veterans and their families. Partnerships like this help connect veterans with resources, opportunities, and people who understand the value of service, connection, and community.

Guardian Hills provides a week-long Guardian Experience for veterans and first responders focused on connection, growth, purpose, and service. The program is provided completely free of charge to participants.

Together with partners like the Vet Center, we are expanding opportunities for veterans and first responders to find support, build meaningful relationships, and continue serving their communities.



Learn more or apply at www.GuardianHills.com

Pictured from left: Carroll Harris, Guardian Hills Executive Director; Laurie Honan, Vet Center Director; Bob Hartman, Guardian Hills graduate; and Jo Slawski, Guardian Hills Founder.

10/01/2026

We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the Kirksville Optimist Club. Our Executive Director, Carroll Nelson Harris III, joined members of the club to share the Guardian Hills story, explain our programs and mission, and talk about how we serve veterans and first responders by building connection, purpose, and community beyond the uniform. The reception from the Kirksville community was tremendous.

Several members expressed an interest in supporting Guardian Hills and volunteering with us in the future. We are incredibly grateful to the Kirksville Optimist Club for their time and for supporting those who have served. Strong communities are built when people show up for one another.

Thank you for showing up for our Guardians. We appreciate you.

07/27/2026

Guardian Hills brings together Guardians of our nation and communities.

Through the Guardian Experience, military service members, veterans, first responders, and others who serve participate in transformational residential programs that foster connection and resilience.

Experiential learning, wellness, leadership development, outdoor activities, meaningful conversation, and the power of community help participants build on their strengths and expand practical tools and practices they can use throughout their lives.

Guardian Hills is a Missouri nonprofit 501(c)(3) and earned a 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency.

07/27/2026

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Carroll Harris to Guardian Hills!

Carroll serves as our Executive Director and brings more than 35 years of leadership and service experience, including 30 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and a distinguished career in federal law enforcement.

Throughout his life and career, Carroll has been committed to supporting veterans, first responders, and communities of service. He is passionate about helping others find connection, purpose, resilience, and belonging beyond the uniform.

We are excited for the vision, leadership, and heart he brings to Guardian Hills as we continue building stronger individuals, families, and communities through service, growth, and authentic relationships.

Welcome to the Guardian Hills family, Carroll! 🇺🇸👏

Send a message to learn more

07/03/2026

🇺🇸 Guardian Hills wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

While fireworks are often a spectacular part of Fourth of July celebrations, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for some. As you celebrate, please keep in mind the well-being of those who may be affected by loud or unexpected noises.

Enjoy your celebrations!

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their legacy, courage, and selfless service will never be forgotten.🇺🇸

We also hold in our thoughts the families, friends, and fellow service members who carry the grief and loss of loved ones and those with whom they served.

04/21/2026

As we continue sharing moments from our 3rd Annual Night of Giving Banquet, we are reminded that gratitude is more than a feeling. Gratitude is a perspective that takes shape when it is shared and celebrated with one another.

04/20/2026

A special thank you to our talented auctioneer, Wes Tiemann Marketing, for bringing so much more than just an auction. Your connection with the audience added energy and enjoyment to the evening!