Healing at Harmony Hill: A Community Retreat Center’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

For over 38 years, Harmony Hill Retreat Center has been a beacon of hope and healing along the quiet waterfront in Union It is a haven for people suffering from cancer – a place where those battling cancer, along with their family members, seek solace in nature, rediscover their identity, and find space to heal Many consider Harmony Hill much more than just a retreat center; it’s a lifeline when life has some of its most trying moments

Harmony Hill was founded by nurse Gretchen Schodde, based upon a simple but compelling vision of a place where people could come to heal physically and emotionally Through the years, the center coalesced to focus on cancer, supporting both those diagnosed and their loved ones with the holistic approach needed for the psychological toll such a diagnosis may bring From anxiety and depression to fear of recurrence, Harmony Hill’s programs place emotional resilience at the center of healing

Through the COVID-19 pandemic and recent financial shifts, Harmony Hill remains resilient in its mission It is through community and key partnerships that this treasured retreat center continues to not only survive, but thrive – providing lifechanging programs for patients and healthcare professionals alike

Cheryl Sesnon, executive director of the retreat center is proud of their unique position, balancing physical healing with emotional healing too “We often emphasize the physical aspects of recovery, but the emotional toll of cancer doesn’t evaporate with the end of treatment,” she says “Even five years later, many people are still dealing with anxiety, stress, and the fear of recurrence That is where we come in ”

At the center, flagship three-day cancer retreats are offered, which a patient might attend with a friend or family member to share some quiet time and support. Workshops and sessions teach participants how to create emotional resilience, cope with stress, or find companionship among people who truly understand what they’re going through. While the actual program remains free of charge, participants are responsible for their lodging and food at their normal rates, still within an affordable range according to Sesnon Some scholarships are available for those with financial need

It’s more than a getaway For many, it’s life changing “Our goal is to help people redefine their relationship with cancer,” Sesnon says. “We want them to leave feeling empowered and ready to live their lives with renewed purpose.”

While cancer patients are at the heart of Harmony Hill’s mission their programs also include health care renewal retreats. What was originally developed for nurses has taken on new meaning in the two-day retreats now being offered since the pandemic. Since 2020, extreme stress among healthcare workers has reached unprecedented levels. Harmony Hill has risen to this purposeful need for healthcare workers to take time to decompress, reconnect with their personal mission, and engage in some important self-care

Harmony Hill’s health-care renewal retreats have become regular events, which helps health-care workers from throughout the Puget Sound region regain a sense of well-being and passion for their profession

The success of these retreats speaks for itself MultiCare, one of Harmony Hill’s partners, reported that 96 out of 98 nurses who participated in renewal retreats over three years have remained with the organization – a remarkable retention rate compared to the national average turnover rate of 35% Otherwise said, the return on investment is obvious: savings of around $1 2 million because of reduced turnover

Harmony Hill is no different from many nonprofits that have struggled financially in the last few years This has been especially the case since one of its major long-term benefactors ended its financial support It is with great appreciation for these decades of support, coupled with optimism for the future, that the transition was approached by this center’s leadership

One of the big operational shifts has been the decision not to operate their retreat center full-time anymore Instead,

Harmony Hill rents space from other retreat centers and holds their programs there In so doing, costs have gone down and accessibility has increased for participants: “We have been able to reach a much more diverse population – including lowerincome participants and people of color – by offering retreats at locations closer to them,” says Sesnon

It is hopeful that a local party will buy the property on which Harmony Hill is presently based, so it may be able to continue its programs on site Whatever the outcome may be, Harmony Hill stays committed to offering its transformative retreats in Union and at other locations across the region.

As Harmony Hill moves forward, community support has never been needed more. With the end of its major benefactor’s contributions, the retreat center looks to the local community in support to see continued, vital programs sustain themselves Big or small donations go directly to the bottom line in support of cancer patients and health care workers in need of emotional healing

Whether you are a business owner or community member, there are so many ways to get involved,” Sesnon explains “From donating and volunteering to letting others know about the services we have, any bit counts

The most impactful way to support the cause is by referring people who have been touched by cancer or are involved in the health care field to Harmony Hill’s retreats Harmony Hill allows any person to take part in general wellness retreats, including yoga and meditation These programs allow opportunity for anyone desiring emotional renewal and thus have opened another avenue of service for Harmony Hill in serving the community at large

Sesnon is passionate to make integrative medicine and emotional support an intrinsic element in the process of recuperation for people with cancers “What if, along with medication, doctors prescribed meditation or yoga to help manage stress and anxiety? That’s the future we want to build “

In January 2023, Harmony Hill merged with Seattle-based Orion Center for Integrative Medicine, combining resources and expanded services for people with cancer, adding acupuncture, mental health counseling, nutrition, and other complementary resources for participants

The mission at Harmony Hill may be deeply personal, but the impact carries out into the community at large from those attending its retreats It has also turned itself into a crucial part of the local community, contributing to the economy and culture of Union and its surroundings

Many retreat attendees have extended their time in Union following their retreat to meander through local businesses and taking in the natural beauty of the Hood Canal. “We always provide guests with resources on things to do in Union,” Sesnon shares “From kayaking to dining at local restaurants, our visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for this small but vibrant community “

The economic ripple effect of Harmony Hill’s visitors means a great deal to local business owners Participants come from throughout the Puget Sound region and beyond, helping to bolster area tourism to provide Union’s shops, eateries, and recreational spots with a constant flow of visitors

Moving forward, Harmony Hill imagines a future where emotional resilience becomes the standard in cancer treatment

While the future may be uncertain, Harmony Hill is stalwart and sure about one thing: a commitment to healing And with continued community support, this treatment center will be sure to continue flourishing far into the future.