Pictured: Members of Resilient Retreat. Photo by Noah Magnifico.

On March 10th SRQ Media recognized five local nonprofits who have leaned into change, particularly after an extremely challenging year, at the SB2 Transformation in Philanthropy luncheon and panel discussion. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota where all parties were thrilled to be gathered together in person. The Change Agents in Philanthropy Awards focus on the capacity of the independent sector to be innovative in the face of change in fundraising, donor cultivation and development, mission, programming, branding and visibility and operations. We are pleased to highlight each of the nonprofit groups recognized at the luncheon as part of our Wednesday Philanthropy edition.

Resilient Retreat is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those impacted by trauma and first-responders who routinely witness violence in their workplace. The organization is currently building a retreat center on their 84 sq acre property (on conservation land) - expected to be finished in 2022 - and maintains a well-trained staff of certified trauma professionals to run their evidence based programs and maintain their trauma hotline.

In light of the global pandemic, Resilient Retreat had to adapt to help a community that was hurting not just physically, but mentally. From 2020-2021, Resilient Retreat saw a 212% increase in participants reaching out for help. As COVID-19 ripped through the community, Resilient Retreat responded by expanding their programs to online and in-person offerings. When it was only safe to meet while socially distanced, the organization offered their programs outside, on their 84 acre campus. Resilient Retreat worked to make their services more approachable to vulnerable communities on multiple fronts.

“We are there to help the people on the front lines,” said Executive Director, Lisa Intagliata. “During the pandemic, we heard daily phone calls from people struggling–nonprofit workers, teachers, bankers, lawyers–people you wouldn’t necessarily expect to hear from. It opened up a whole new host of participants for Resilient Retreat. We were able to offer selfcare training and resilience building skills as needed.”

Pictured: Members of Resilient Retreat. Photo by Noah Magnifico.

To learn more, click here