Rirst responder retreat

Camp Resilience, in partnership with Forge VFR, is hosting a four-day First Responder Retiree Retreat designed to support those transitioning into retirement and Bank of New Hampshire supported the retreat with a $5,000 donation to help offset the costs. Shown here is Jessica Beane, vice president of Gilford Lakeshore Banking Office Manager; Michelle Blake, vice president of Gilford Village Banking Office Manager; and Alexandra Pelletier, senior vice president — retail banking administration officer, presenting the check to Elizabeth Mullaney, development director at Camp Resilience and Jeff Ladieu, executive director of Camp Resilience and Layla, Camp Resilience’s comfort dog. (Courtesy photo)

LACONIA — Retirement can intensify unresolved trauma, moral injury, isolation and loss of identity for first responders. To help address these challenges, Camp Resilience, in partnership with Forge VFR, is hosting a four-day First Responder Retiree Retreat designed to support those transitioning into retirement. The retreat will feature a three-pronged therapeutic approach to include outdoor experiential learning, life skills workshops and facilitated peer-to-peer counseling.

Bank of New Hampshire is proud to support the retreat with a $5,000 donation to help offset the costs. The retreat will serve retired and soon-to-retire police, fire and EMS professionals by helping restore purpose, strengthen mental and physical well-being and foster long-term resilience.

“We are proud to support Camp Resilience in hosting this vital retreat for first responders,” Michelle Blake, vice president of Gilford Village Banking Office manager said. “These individuals are often exposed to trauma and critical events throughout their careers without having the opportunity to fully recover from their effects. This workshop will support their mental wellness in retirement, so they can continue to lead full, productive lives.”

“We are grateful for Bank of New Hampshire’s support of our first responder retiree retreat,” said Jeff Ladieu, executive director of Camp Resilience. “This will directly strengthen the mental health and resiliency of first responder retirees during a critical transition, ensuring those who have served our communities continue to live with purpose, connection and hope.”

For more information, call 800-832-0912 or visit BNH.Bank.

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