At Respite, our caregivers have the time to connect with their true selves, and with other female caregivers who are experiencing similar demands and challenges of full-time unpaid caregiving. Many of our guests are the sole source of financial support for their families. They have little to no “me” time or opportunity to focus on realizing their full potential as women.

There is ample evidence that unpaid female caregivers experience high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, and feelings of hopelessness. Many also suffer physical health setbacks as a result of these circumstances. At Respite, our ladies have the opportunity for renewal in mind, body and spirit.

Our Respite Retreat Weekend is offered at no-cost to our guests. Through Respite and our other programs, our goal is to improve the lives of low-income female caregivers in the Columbus Region by providing a sustainable, year-long support program resulting in measurable improvements in our clients’ physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, by helping to relieve the physical, emotional and social negative outcomes occasioned by the demands of unpaid and unsupported caregiving. WAW has three specific objectives: (1) improving the physical health of our clients; (2) improving the emotional health of our clients; and (3) strengthening social support for our clients.

At Respite, we celebrate every guest! Respite activities include speakers who empower the women to celebrate themselves, and to share openly among a supportive group of similarly-situated women. Respite provides the opportunity for spiritual growth through group prayer and individual reflection. Physical health is promoted through yoga classes, massage therapy, and nature walks. Emotional care is available from on-site counselors and the support community that Respite nurtures. WAW’s clients learn goal-setting through guided group discussion and creating vision boards. They also enjoy social bonding time during evening social events, creative craft sessions, sharing meals together and shopping at WAW’s no-cost boutique.