Supporting Female First-Responders Through Retreats
Trigger Warning: This blog contains content that may cause or trigger emotional distress.
Female first responders face different challenges from their male counterparts. On top of the daily on-the-job trauma, they also experience sexism and sexual abuse in a male-dominated industry. Additionally, Indigenous, Black, or People of Colour female first responders may endure racism, too.
Cumulative, intersectional stress and trauma can affect people differently over time. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, the impact of trauma “can be subtle, insidious, or outright destructive.” It can lead to numbing, sleep disturbances, substance abuse, and PTSI—to name a few.
Trauma can also affect peoples’ feelings of hope. Because there is little support targeted at female first responders and how to reclaim hope, we created our retreat, A Shade More… Resilient. This one-of-a-kind retreat caters to female first responders. It is designed to care, support, and nourish them and ultimately help them feel hopeful once again.
“I believe that a week-long retreat would be extremely beneficial to any first responder suffering from an OSI based upon sanctuary trauma and/or discrimination. I plan on returning should there be another first responder retreat scheduled...without question. ”
This retreat is led by Dori Howard, a professional trauma-informed coach in the COPE program and former Registered Nurse, and Norma Hoeppner, a clinical therapist with expertise in trauma. Located on picturesque Salt Spring Island, participants get qualified support in a calming setting. Facilitators introduce therapeutic practices like meditation, yoga, hiking, time in nature, creativity, bonding with other women, and self-care. By incorporating these practices in an intimate environment, this retreat can provide long-term benefits and help participants heal. By supporting and empowering women, we hope that this retreat can help you feel hopeful once again.
Female first responders in Burnaby, BC
Some testimonials from the A Shade More… Resilient Retreat:
“Having just returned from an Enso Retreat, I feel rejuvenated and hopeful. Initially a bit skeptical and shy about the retreat concept, I decided to embrace it, and I was so very glad I did. Dori’s beautiful haven was perfect for self-reflection and respite, nestled amongst the trees and on the ocean’s edge, the retreat provided an opportunity to connect, learn and grow. Dori was the consummate host, providing lovely accommodations and delicious fare. The professional facilitators and the finely tuned and balanced itinerary they created facilitated a learning experience that has enriched my life. I’m already looking forward to my next Enso experience.”
~Jen Allan, RCMP Corporal
“This retreat provided an ideal venue for women of similar experiences with a desire to connect and make changes to their lives and improve their wellness. The location was ideal, peaceful on the beach. The accommodations were clean, comfortable, and welcoming. The food was exceptional and there was freedom to eat and snack as you please, with amazing healthy and delicious options. The mornings started early with yoga and meditation with plenty of time to shower and have breakfast before the first classes started. The workshop lessons were balanced to allow group and individual learning. Overall it was inspiring.”
~ Retreat Participant
“I am so very glad that I followed through on my commitment to attending this retreat. As an ethical vegan with an ISO, I feared feeling further misunderstood and disrespected. I was very surprised and impressed by the safe environment and soft support that Dori created...with me in mind as well. I definitely got more than I expected, but just what I had hoped for out of this experience. I believe that a week-long retreat would be extremely beneficial to any first responder suffering from an OSI based upon sanctuary trauma and/or discrimination. I plan on returning should there be another first responder retreat scheduled...without question. thank you to Dori for making this experience exceed my expectations...and for working around my schedule for the rescheduling due to Covid...I will be forever grateful! XO”
~ Retreat Participant
About the author:
Carli is a marketing and communications specialist based in Squamish, B.C. Explore her work here.