Resilient Retreat, a Sarasota-based nonprofit that provides free and confidential trauma-healing programs for abuse survivors, first responders, and helping professionals, recently received a $750,000 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to support continued access to no-cost mental health services for thousands of individuals.
Since moving into its 84-acre campus in 2022, Resilient Retreat has experienced unprecedented growth. Annual participation has increased from approximately 2,000 individuals to more than 6,000, while monthly programming has expanded to between 30 and 35 workshops, retreats, support services, and educational opportunities.
"This grant recognizes both the urgency of the mental health needs we are seeing and
the importance of building sustainable solutions that can meet those needs for years to come," said Lisa Intagliata, CEO of Resilient Retreat.
The Barancik Foundation's investment will support staffing for program coordination, client intake, and administration; maintain the organization's 84-acre therapeutic campus; strengthen fundraising and philanthropic engagement efforts; and support long-term financial sustainability.
Resilient Retreat's programs continue to demonstrate meaningful outcomes for participants. Recent evaluation data show a 42% decrease in suicidal ideation among participants and an 85% reduction in burnout among helping professionals who have completed programs. Participants also report reductions in symptoms associated with depression and PTSD, along with increased resilience, hope, coping skills, and overall well-being.
"Cost too often stands between people and the mental health support they need," said John Annis, president and CEO of the Barancik Foundation. “Resilient Retreat has built a model that removes that barrier for thousands of people each year, and we want to help make that work possible for the long term."
Leaders from both organizations emphasize that the grant represents an invitation for others to become part of the solution. Meeting the needs of our community requires ongoing collaboration from individuals, foundations, businesses, and community leaders who share a commitment to mental wellness and resilience.
"One foundation cannot solve the mental health crisis alone, and neither can one organization," said Intagliata. "What this investment does is create momentum. It sends a strong message that building a healthier, more resilient community is a responsibility all of us share. We hope this grant inspires others to learn more about the impact being made every day at Resilient Retreat and to consider how they can help make that impact possible for even more people."
Community members interested in learning more about Resilient Retreat's programs, impact, and opportunities to support its mission can visit resilientretreat.org.
Submitted by Jamee Thumm
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota-based Resilient Retreat receives $750,000 Barancik grant
