Resilient Retreat receives major grant to serve first responders and trauma survivors

Resilient Retreat, which provides free and confidential mental wellness programs to assist survivors of abuse, first responders, and helping professionals, recently received a $444,869 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

The Barancik Foundation's funding will underwrite programming and staffing costs that will initiate the First Responder Coalition – a new educational peer support network to help first responders build mental resilience. The funding also will support Resilient Retreat’s Kind Line, a telephone service that provides encouragement and resources for those impacted by trauma, and augment Resilient Retreat’s financial sustainability by hiring its first major gifts officer.

“The vision and values of the Barancik Foundation are priceless to our Sarasota and Manatee County communities,” executive director Lisa Intagliata said. “The Barancik Foundation has been with Resilient Retreat since inception, and their latest generosity is beyond measure in terms of advancing our mission to help those impacted by trauma thrive.”

Headquartered on 84 acres of conservation land in east Sarasota County, Resilient Retreat helps trauma survivors, first responders, and helping professionals through free, confidential, evidence-based programs and trainings that enhance body, mind, and spirit. Equine-assisted learning, nutrition for wellness, neurofeedback, yoga, and support groups are part of more than 35 programs provided in-person and online every month.

The Kind Line (941-343-0039) is available for those in need of real-time support while navigating trauma in their home or workplace.

“Mental wellness profoundly affects the well-being of individuals and our entire community,” said Teri Hansen, president and CEO of the Barancik Foundation. “As the need for trauma-informed care continues to grow, Resilient Retreat is on the front line, expanding its services in smart and strategic ways while ensuring accessibility for those who need help most.”

The Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to enrich the lives of all people, establishing a private family foundation in 2014 in Sarasota. The foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For more information, visit barancikfoundation.org.

Submitted by Jamee Thumm