The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently awarded a $444,869 grant to expand Resilient Retreat’s capabilities to provide free mental wellness services for the community. Specifically, Barancik Foundation support 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; enhance the operation of Resilient Retreat’s Kind Line—a telephone service that provides encouragement and resources for those impacted by trauma; and augment the organization’s financial sustainability by hiring its first-ever Major Gifts Officer. 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 the well-being of body, mind, and spirit. Equine-assisted learning, nutrition for wellness, neurofeedback, yoga, and support groups are just a few of more than 35 programs provided in-person and online every month. A Kind Line (941-343-0039) is also available for those in need of real-time support while navigating trauma in their home and/or workplace.