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Community Raises Funds To Help Westchester Moms Enjoy Weekend Retreat

Every mom could use a chance to unwind.

A crowdsourcing campaign has been launched to help send 50 moms of special needs children on a weekend retreat.

A crowdsourcing campaign has been launched to help send 50 moms of special needs children on a weekend retreat.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Family Ties of Westchester has launched a crowdsourcing campaign to help 50 moms of special needs children enjoy a weekend retreat at Clearpool Educational Center in Carmel in June. The campaign has raised $2,000 and the goal is to raise $6,000. This is the 18th year of the retreat. 

The retreat "is a magical day filled with laughter and tears, growth and new friendships," Christine Wexler of Family Ties Westchester said.  "These women can just be girls and drop all their titles of mother, grandmother, daughter, guardian, and caregiver."

Wexler said it costs $150 to send one mom overnight. The money will cover transportation, food, lodging, and activities. At the retreat, women enjoy a day of rest and relaxation and take workshops on self-care, empowerment while also getting to enjoy yoga, boating, massages, and swimming. The event culminates with a ceremony celebrating positively and self-awareness. 

"It’s something the moms really look forward to," Maggie Reyes of Family Ties said. "They somewhat get to leave all their cares behind. It gives them 24 hours to rejuvenate, take a deep breath and enjoy some rest and relaxation."

Family Ties provides support and advocacy for moms, parents, and guardians dealing with a special needs child.

"Sometimes the moms we deal with don't have the resources, they don't know where to go," Reyes said. "They often come from low-income families. It can be really frustrating and difficult."

Reyes helps facilitate the weekend and said while it can be exhausting, it's an amazing feeling seeing how good the moms feel when the retreat ends. 

"They wake up on Sunday morning charged up and ready to go," Reyes said. 

Family Ties has offices in Ossining, Peekskill, Mount Vernon and Yonkers. To donate, click here

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