L.I.F.E. Women’s First Responder Retreat

Project Overwatch, the Utah Women in Law Enforcement and the Female Firefighters of Utah have created a national women’s peer support network through first responder retreats designed specifically for women who are military veterans, law enforcement officers and firefighters. The retreats provide a place where participants can gain mental health and wellness resources as well as create a support network to use within their lives. The trauma our first responders see on a regular basis should not be ignored and through our L.I.F.E. (Lift, Inspire, Focus, Empower) retreats we create safe spaces to have real-talks and support women as they continue through their careers. Here are just a few comments from our women that have attended the retreats:

This retreat allowed women who share a unique and rare commonality of working as first responders and share the struggles and triumphs of working in these fields of work and in life.

LIFE was everything I didn’t know I needed. Being surrounded by women is something we don’t feel often in our career fields. There was a deep sense of awe and appreciation for each other, we all recognized how positively powerful the support and validation from another woman can be.

LIFE reminded us (and provided tools on site) to put on our own oxygen masks first. One by one, throughout the weekend, we all started the process of putting on our own mask, and soon we looked around and saw a room full of women ready to help those struggling getting the mask on.

It was empowering being surrounded by strong women peers and mentors. I left the retreat realizing, I too am a strong woman. There are few things as powerful as an empowered woman. With power comes great responsibility. I understand the assignment LIFE sent home with us.