This episode we chat with our amazing friends Adele and Lauren about their upcoming event:
To Serve and Connect - First Responder Retreat
May 2-4, 2025
Camp Kuriakos - Sylvan Lake AB
http://www.toserveandconnect.com
When the 4 of us met over 10 years ago at a Personal Development event, we became fast friends, and have been through quite a bit in each of our own journeys - but always know we have this sisterhood to lean on for anything. Having Lauren and Adele as our first guests on the pod is an incredible gift, and we are so excited for you to meet them!
Here's more from our besties!
Being a first responder spouse comes with unique challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs. To Serve and Connect is a space created for those who walk this path, offering support, understanding, and connection about life behind the scenes.
Lauren & Adele began this journey over a cup of coffee and valuable conversation 6 years ago. Lauren is a retired corrections officer, and the wife of a police officer. Adele is the former spouse of a corrections officer, so they both understand firsthand the unique challenges that come with the first responder lifestyle—challenges that extend beyond the job and into the lives of those who love and support them.
For years, Lauren struggled with her mental health, silently battling the weight of stigma and the pressure to appear "okay." Pretending she was fine only deepened her suffering and strained her closest relationships. A series of significant events forced her to seek out resources for first responders and their families. While support existed for first responders themselves, she quickly realized there were far fewer options dedicated to their spouses and loved ones, especially outside of traditional therapy through EAP programs.
Lauren and Adele found solace in connecting with each other about the uniqueness of this lifestyle, sharing experiences, and lifting each other up in the most difficult moments. Recognizing the power of these connections—and their passion for bringing people together. Lauren was inspired to create a retreat designed specifically for first responder spouses. A space to be understood, to heal, and to strengthen the resilience that this life demands. Every year Adele reaffirms her commitment to the first responders spouses but holding space at the retreat. She is a coach, drumming facilitator, a Reiki practitioner and a trauma-informed yoga instructor. Lauren loves to connect people, talk about personal development, and advocate for wellness.
Adele and Lauren bring a wealth of experience and compassion to this weekend – and to everyone that there are connected with.
As always, we would love to hear from you.
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Podcast - @empoweringimperfectionpodcast
Natasha Sukarukoff - @natashasukarukoff
Vanessa McWilliams - @thevanessamcwilliams
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