The Uplands was thrilled to host a group of nonprofit leaders of various social impact organizations working across Philadelphia in early June. Funded and organized by the Pooled Wellness Fund which brings together funds from 12 philanthropic foundations and sponsors wellness opportunities for changemakers, the retreat was titled “The REFRESH: Rested, Cleared & Renewed”. Retreat participants work across more than ten nonprofit organizations on issues ranging from the rights of immigrants and domestic workers to mutual aid, support for public school students and youth development, violence disruptors, produce rescue, storytelling and more.
For their first day, the theme was Rest. They began sharing a welcome lunch of focaccia with local cheeses and pickles, deviled eggs, lentil salad, cookies and elderberry cordial. After an opening circle where participants could connect and get to know each other, they enjoyed a sound bath. After a nourishing dinner, the group joined a guided walk across scenic meadows to enjoy a colorful sunset.
The second day’s theme was Reveal. It began with an Uplands-led yoga class and after breakfast, the group celebrated their opening circle. As massage therapy commenced in the treatment rooms, participants enjoyed free time in the pool and sauna. A lunch inspired by Colombian cuisine, complete with plantains and arepas, was followed by a demonstration by our chef about how to make natural soda out of herbs from the garden. A guided meditation before dinner and a brief art activity following their meal led to the group gathering around a fire to eat s’mores and share time together.
The final day’s theme – Refresh – included a guided wellness walk before a closing circle, which led to free time before the group took a grab & go lunch of handmade sushi.
It was a privilege to host such a strong group of visionary, hard-working and kind-hearted nonprofit leaders, and we are grateful for the support of the Pooled Wellness Fund to enable representatives of their grantee organizations to experience a restorative retreat with much-needed rejuvenation.
