A restorative weekend for the hearts who give so much
Every day, you pour your heart into caring for others.
This weekend is your opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath, and reconnect with yourself.
The Heart Of Caregiving Retreat
Behind every child with special needs is a caregiver whose love, strength, and unwavering commitment often go unseen. Day after day, you give your heart to caring for someone you love. This weekend is dedicated to caring for you.
The Heart of Caregiving Retreat is a restorative weekend created exclusively for Wisconsin CLTS parents and primary caregivers of children with special needs. Surrounded by others who truly understand your journey, you’ll step away from the demands of everyday life to rest, reconnect, and renew your spirit.
Through inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations, wellness experiences, and quiet moments to simply breathe, you’ll find encouragement, genuine connection, and the space to reflect, recharge, and rediscover yourself beyond the role of caregiver.
You’ll return home feeling rested, supported, and inspired—reminded that your well-being matters, your story matters, and that the heart behind the care deserves care, too.
The Osthoff Resort
The Heart of Caregiving Retreat will be held at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI on October 10 – 11, 2026.
You are responsible for booking and paying for your room, you may be eligible for reimbursement through CCOP.
- Hotel room and meals are not CLTS eligible
The Osthoff Resort
101 Osthoff Avenue
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
www.osthoff.com
855-876-3399
Your Retreat Experience
Throughout the weekend you’ll enjoy:
- Inspiring speakers and meaningful conversations
- Wellness experiences focused on reducing caregiver burnout
- Opportunities to connect with other caregivers
- Reflection and journaling
- Relaxing lakeside surroundings
- Time to simply breathe
Whether you’re looking for encouragement, friendship, practical ideas, or simply a chance to recharge, you’ll leave feeling renewed in both heart and mind.
Mission Respite’s respite companions can assist with overnight respite care to ensure your Incredible Kid continues to receive the care at home they deserve.
Mission Respite was created to care for incredible Kids. The Heart of Caregiving Retreat was created to care for the incredible people who care for them.
October 10–11, 2026 | The Osthoff Resort
A restorative weekend for the hearts who give so much. Two days of caregiver education, connection, reflection, and practical support focused on burnout, stress management, caregiver well-being, building support systems, and sustainable caregiving.
Saturday, October 10
9:30 AM | Arrival + Light Breakfast
10:00 AM | You Belong Here
Understanding the mental and emotional load of caregiving and the importance of caregiver support.
10:15 AM | Meet the Room
Guided caregiver introductions and connection.
10:45 AM | Who Am I Outside of Caregiving?
Reflection on identity, personal needs, and maintaining a sense of self while caring for others.
11:00 AM | Caregiver Burnout: From Hopelessness to Hope
Caregiver training with Carl Brinkman
Recognizing burnout, building hopefulness, and developing healthier responses to caregiving stress.
12:00 PM | What Can I Put Down?
Applying Control • Influence • Release to everyday caregiver stress.
12:15 PM | Lunch + Connection
1:00 PM | Capable Doesn’t Mean Supported
Recognizing support needs, overcoming barriers to asking for help, and strengthening your support system.
1:30 PM | Wisdom We Carry
Guided peer learning focused on the knowledge, strengths, and resilience developed through caregiving.
2:30 PM | Create + Care
Creative, wellness, and connection activities.
3:30–5:30 PM | Hotel Check-In + Personal Time
5:30 PM | Caregiver Social Hour
Optional social gathering followed by dinner on your own.
Sunday, October 11
8:30 AM | Gentle Movement + Stress Regulation
Led by Brittany Meoska
9:00 AM | Breakfast
9:30 AM | Mindset + Your Future Self
Keynote + caregiver training with Brittany Meoska
Practical strategies for mindset, stress management, emotional regulation, and caregiver well-being.
10:30 AM | Hotel Check-Out
11:00 AM | The Person I Want to Be in the Life I Actually Have
Turning the weekend’s learning into a personal Caregiver Support & Action Plan with realistic next steps.
11:30 AM | You Are Seen
Closing reflection focused on what we can release, the support we need, and what we want to carry forward.
12:00 PM | Boxed Lunch + Farewell
CLTS Funding Information
CLTS authorization is requested for eligible caregiver education and support services under Family/Unpaid Caregiver Supports and Services. Lodging, meals, and recreational or hospitality experiences are funded separately and are not included as CLTS-funded services.
Your registration for the Heart of Caregiving Retreat is $749 per person, plus lodging at The Osthoff Resort.
The cost of the retreat programming may be covered through your child’s CLTS funding. Lodging is not included.
We encourage you to speak with your Case Manager to discuss whether the Heart of Caregiving Retreat can be included in your child’s plan.
Space is limited to ensure every caregiver has a meaningful and personalized experience.
Submitting a registration form does not guarantee a spot. Mission Respite will send a confirmation email within 2 business days with your registration status and next steps.
REGISTER HERE >
If you have questions about registration or funding, we’re happy to help. Please contact us at [email protected].
Additional Details
Who can attend?
The retreat is open to Mission Respite parents and primary caregivers of children with special needs. Mission Respite is happy to assist with providing overnight care for your Incredible Kid at home while you focus on yourself, the heart who gives so much.
How much does it cost?
$749 per person, plus lodging. Funding may be available through your child’s program. Please contact your Case Manager to discuss funding options.
Lodging at The Osthoff Resort
Lodging is booked separately through The Osthoff Resort.
What should I bring?
Clothing you are comfortable in, walking shoes, a light jacket, overnight essentials, and an open heart. We’ll take care of the rest.