SHELDON, Iowa (February 17, 2025) – Iowa CareGivers is teaming up with Northwest Iowa Community College to offer a free, full-day retreat, Reservoir Replenishing Retreat, aimed at promoting self-care for direct care workers and family caregivers in Iowa. The event will be held on March 13, 2025, at Northwest Iowa Community College, Building H, 603 West Park St., Sheldon, IA.
The one-day event begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by Keynote Speaker, Steve “Safari Dude” Fredlund. A continental breakfast and lunch are included. Sessions include yoga, mental health and wellness, financial health, and others. Registration is required and can be found at https://2025NCCReservoirReplenishingRetreatRegistration.eventbrite.com
“Burnout among direct care workers is at an all-time high, so we are pleased to partner with Iowa CareGivers to give caregivers a well-deserved break to focus on their own physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” said Sonya Swanson, Healthcare Simulation Coordinator, Northwest Iowa Community College.
“As someone who has worked in direct care for nearly 30 years, I know first-hand what it is like to be burned out and not place a high priority on my own health. I can’t be there for those who rely on me, if I don’t take care of myself,” said Renee Bernier, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Iowa CareGivers’ Direct Care Council Advisor.
The retreat is made possible through a generous private donation to Iowa CareGivers by Chuck and Kathy Safris. Chuck said, “We are confident that this self-care retreat will give participants the motivation to carry on with assurance that Iowa CareGivers, and many others, understand how important their work is to them, the people they serve, and their families.”