First responders, medical professionals, teachers and nonprofit employees that often witness trauma in the workplace are continually and commonly reporting higher levels of burnout, stress, and demoralization—all factors that take tolls on the mind and body. And the prolonged pandemic isn't helping—increasingly impacting those on the frontline. Community surveys report that 50 percent of our first responders/helping professionals are experiencing 'compassion fatigue' in our community, and 74.6% noted their job has been harder since COVID-19. 

Which is where Resilient Retreat is stepping in. The organization recognizes caring for others comes at a cost and is helping those impacted by second-hand trauma and abuse throughout the last 18 months. The number of people served by Resilient Retreat has increased by 196% over the past year.

Yesterday, Resilient Retreat announced they received funding from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to ramp up their efforts in providing therapy and programs to help those at risk. Thanks to $125,000 from the Barancik Foundation, the grant will fund a second phase of Resilient Retreat’s neurofeedback program, which will offer services to 21 responders and healthcare professionals. The organization says this therapy is a leading treatment for reducing the symptoms of traumatic stress and can decrease anxiety, reduce substance abuse, and improve memory, concentration and wellness.

“Those whose take care of our community deserve to be taken care of,” says Teri A Hansen, President &  CEO of Barancik Foundation. “For too long the burden has been on the individual to help themself cope. Now these programs will help facilitate healing and reduce burnout.”

The organization will also use this grant to hire an additional staff member – Candice McLeod –  to provide input on program development, organize the Resilient Retreat network of over 150 community volunteers, as well as increase trauma-informed training at workplaces.

“Employers now better understand the factors that lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion,” says Lisa Intagliata, Executive Director of Resilient Retreat. “Led by certified trauma professionals, our free programs are helping people heal from the impacts of stress and trauma on their mind, body, and spirit.”

Learn more about Resilient Retreat here.