Howard County Innovation Fund Awards Respite Retreats Grant for Therapeutic Virtual Retreats for Those Impacted by Cancer
Columbia, Md.—March 4, 2021—Respite Retreats, a non-profit that provides the patients, families and caregivers impacted by cancer restorative one-day retreats, was awarded an $8,100 grant from Howard County Executive, Dr. Calvin Ball, as a part of county’s Innovation Fund created in 2019. The grant will be used by Respite Retreats to incorporate virtual retreats into its programming focused on supporting those experiencing the pain, stress, and emotional strain of cancer.
“Cancer impacts patients and those around them in so many challenging ways—physical, mental, spiritual and emotional—and this generous grant from Howard County will give us another way to help them overcome this disease so they can heal,” said Wendy Letow, executive director of Respite Retreats. “During the pandemic, our in-person programming was paused so we are particularly excited to be offering virtual retreats to those impacted by cancer, so they have the opportunity to participate in a day filled with therapeutic and uplifting activities from the safety and comfort of their home. Through an immersive experience, participants will have a brief escape from cancer through meditation, art and music therapy, movement exercises and other activities designed to refuel their spirits.”
Respite Retreats has two virtual retreats scheduled—April 24, 2021 and June 18, 2021—with additional dates being planned for the second half of the year. Each retreat will be facilitated by local practitioners via Zoom, last four to five hours and support up to 30 families. Participants will receive a gift box filled with everything they need to participate in all retreat activities.
“Howard County’s Innovation Fund was created to support innovation in the county that benefits our residents and bolster a culture of inventive ideas throughout our business and non-profit community,” said Ball. “Like many organizations impacted by the pandemic, Respite Retreats has adapted to move forward with their mission. Through virtual retreats that benefit those impacted by cancer, Respite Retreats also helps bring our community together with a valuable and important program.”
About Respite Retreats
Founded in 2018, Respite Retreats is a non-profit dedicated to providing respite for patients, families and caregivers impacted by cancer. Through various programs, those affected by cancer can experience individual and group activities focused on healing the mind, body, and spirit. Group retreats range in size from 20-30 participants, and give patients, families, and caregivers the opportunity to participate in holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, music therapy, sound therapy, guided imagery, journaling, art therapy, massage, acupressure, Reiki, nutritional education, and other fun activities. For more information, visit www.respiteretreats.org.