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WHAT WE DO
Rest & Renew: A Retreat for Strong Women
This event is free for caregivers to attend, thanks to our valued partnership with OKDHS and the generous support of our sponsors:
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Brighter Day / Hands of Heartland
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June 6-8, 2025 • The Artesian Hotel • 1001 W 1st Street • Sulphur, OK
You pour your heart and soul into caring for your loved one. We see you. We honor you.
Now, it’s time to pour that same care into yourself.
The Arc of Oklahoma invites you to Rest & Renew: A Retreat for Strong Women – a FREE, 3-day, 2-night retreat designed exclusively for mothers and female caregivers of loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This is more than just a break—it’s a revival. A chance to step away from the daily demands, recharge your spirit, and return home feeling stronger, more supported, and deeply renewed.
Why You Deserve This
The weight of caregiving can be immense. You advocate fiercely, love unconditionally, and sacrifice endlessly—but at what cost?
• 43% of special needs caregivers report high stress.
• 30% say caregiving has directly impacted their health.
• 26% rate their health as fair or poor—double the rate of the general population.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. This retreat is your opportunity to refill, reconnect, and rise—because when you are strong, your family is stronger.
What to Expect
🌿 Wellness Activities – Experience relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care practices.
🧡 Expert-Led Workshops – Gain strategies to navigate challenges and protect your well-being.
🔥 Talking Circles – Share stories, find support, and build lifelong connections.
💡 Inspirational Speakers – Be uplifted by messages of resilience, hope, and empowerment.
✨ The Science of Hope – Learn how to sustain optimism and joy, even in the face of adversity.
Who Can Attend?
This retreat is exclusively for mothers and female caregivers of a child (any age) with intellectual or developmental disabilities who reside in Oklahoma.
Together, We Rise
Like the phoenix emerging from the flames, you will leave this retreat renewed—stronger, more resilient, and deeply connected to a community that truly understands.
Your journey to renewal begins here. Will you take the first step?
We can’t wait to spend this powerful weekend with you. Reserve your spot today!
What’s Included
Welcome Gift & Swag Bag
30-minute Spa Service
Supremely Comfortable
Private Room
Delicious Meals
Talking Circles
Inspirational Speakers
Connective Experiences
Sleeping In & Relaxing
Saturday Night Entertainment
Friendships & Support
Prizes!
What to Bring
Yourself
Cozy, comfortable clothes
Swimsuit
This retreat is all about you-
rest, renew, and connect with
a supportive community in a beautiful, stress-free setting.
REGISTRATION PROCESS
& NOTIFICATION
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This FREE 3 day, 2 night event is exclusively for female caregivers of loved ones with intellectual or development disabilities. Dependents and guests are not permitted.
Participation is limited to 40 caregivers, and applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. A waitlist will be maintained for additional applicants.
You will be notified by the program manager once your application has been reviewed and your participation status has been confirmed.
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Once your registration has been confirmed the program manager will reach out to you to schedule your spa service and Saturday breakout sessions.
Agenda
Friday, June 6 – Welcome & Connection
3:00 PM – Hotel Check-in Available
4:00 PM – Registration Opens
5:00 PM – Welcome Message
5:30 PM – Dinner is Served
6:15 PM – Opening Keynote: Amie Haar
“Carrying Hope, Finding Joy: The Power of Community”
Caregiving is both an act of deep love and an incredible weight to carry. It holds moments of profound joy and moments that feel impossibly heavy. It is both hard and holy work. This is where the power of hope can be found —not as blind optimism, but as a steady light that keeps us moving forward. Together, let’s explore how joy isn’t just found in the big, beautiful moments, but in the small and sacred ones, too.
Together, we will honor the depth of this journey and the strength it takes to keep showing up. And most importantly, we will lean into the truth that no one is meant to walk this road alone.
7:00 – 8:30 PM – Talking Circles
In Native American tradition a Talking Circle is a way of bringing people together in a quiet, respectful manner for purposes of teaching, listening, learning, and sharing. This is a time to talk, listen, share, and lift each other up.
8:45 PM – Closing Remarks for the Evening. Pick up your “Sleep-in Saturday Snack Box” so you can sleep-in Saturday morning!
Saturday, June 7 – A Day of Renewal
11:30 AM – Lunch Served
11:45 AM – Saturday Keynote - Self-Care & Mental Health
12:45 PM – Talking Circles
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2:00 – 3:00 PM – First Breakout Sessions
(Choose from: Yoga & Mindfulness, Art Therapy, or a Spa Service.)
3:00 – 3:25 PM – Afternoon Break
3:30 – 4:30 PM – Second Breakout Sessions
(Choose from: Yoga & Mindfulness, Art Therapy, or a Spa Service.)
5:30 PM – Dinner Served
Evening Entertainment: Laugh with Comedian Julie Drake
Unwind and enjoy an evening of laughter with stand-up comedian, Julie Drake. With her sharp wit and relatable humor, Julie brings joy and lightheartedness – just want every caregiver needs on this retreat. Sit back, relax, and share in the laughter!
Piano Sing-Along: Music, Connection, and Fun!
Gather around the piano for a lively sing-along where you get to choose the songs! Whether you love classic hits, show tunes, or favorite sing-along melodies, this interactive experience is all about you, connection, and fun. Singing together not only lifts the spirit but also strengthens social bonds – one of the key protective factors for emotional well-being. No singing skills required- just bring your enthusiasm and enjoy the music!
Sunday, June 8 – Closing & Looking Ahead
9:00 AM – Breakfast is Served
9:15 AM – Welcome Back & Prize Drawings
10:00 AM - Closing Keynote
“Woven Together: The Stories That Connect Us”
12:00 PM – Hotel Check-out
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