The concept for Responders Retreat came from the wife of a retired firefighter with PTSD incurred in the line of duty. She knows all too well how it impacted her husband at work, at home, and how it impacted their family. After moving to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, she noticed positive changes in his mood, outlook, and social interactions that continue to date. Hoping others could benefit similarly, Responders Retreat was born.
Responders Retreat, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. It is not a treatment facility, but a place for any first responder to open a conversation, share information, and enjoy recreation in a beautiful, peaceful setting.
To host Responders Retreat, we wish to buy a resort on a lake in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin; until that day comes, we will lease cabins/room from local resorts to accomplish our goals.
Given that the purpose of this retreat is respite and decompression, having accesss to quiet time and nature with activities like fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and more is a primary focus for our guest. Other options as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and breathing techniques, sitting by camfires, watching nearby wildlife such as eagles, loons, deer, fox, and more will be available. Guests will be able to escape some of the pressures and stresses of work and everyday life and have time to relax and reflect.
Our guests can stay for 3-7 days in cabins with other first responders and peer supporters. Peer supporters will be trained volunteers and will be available 24/7 during the week. Guests will be given time for conversation to share what they are experiencing and realize that they are not alone.
We hope that the first responders will be able to rebuild self-esteem, know that they are valued and supported, feel encouraged and make a plan going forward that includes self-care and go home feeling recharched and headed toward a better quality of life, something they all deserve.
Your donations will help us achieve our goal of providing retreats for those who have already given so much. Within our country a lot of first responders are volunteers, we plan to keep costs as low as possible so no one is left behind.
As a non-profit, non-stock organizaiton we do not receive any compensation and cannot gain financially from our efforts.
Statistics
228 police officer died by suicide in 2019. This is more than the number of police officers who died in the line of duty (89). You can find more information on the website Blue H.E.L.P.
119 Firefighters and 20 EMTs died by in 2019. This is more than the number of fire fighters killed in the line of duty (48). You can find more information in the Firefighter Fatalities in the US – 2019 article from the National Fire Prevention Association.
Do you wonder if you are at risk? Here is a questionaire from Fire Fighter Behavioral Health Alliance. (FFBHA).
If you are a police officer and would like to confidentially talk to a retired police officer, you can contact Copline.
