Helios Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making life easier for patients and families facing serious illness or the end of life by providing choices, dignity, and compassionate hospice and palliative care. While The Uplands regularly hosts Helios Care’s annual grief retreat for their clients, this was the first opportunity for the staff to enjoy the space for themselves. Their sole focus for their day retreat at Uplands was to connect with one another, relax, and enjoy nature.

The day began with a delicious breakfast of homemade granola, fresh-baked sourdough, yogurt, fruits, and cheeses. The group settled into a “paint and sip (tea)” art activity focused on developing drawing skills using everyday objects. Next was a guided nature walk out to the Vista Shed, followed by a grounding yoga class. Lunch featured wild-foraged mushroom soup, chickpea pie, Uplands asparagus, and a strawberry shortcake. The staff finished their day with free time, enjoying the pool, hot tub, sauna, outdoor games, and quiet moments with books.

Thank you, Helios Care, for all you do to support patients and families facing illness and life’s final moments. It was an honor to provide a day of rest and renewal for the people who spend so much of their time caring for others.