Relax, Release, Renew Reaches Out to St. Barnabas House Residents
Wednesday October 29, 2008, Panama City
Cheryl Bowie, founder (in 2007) and president of the non-profit ministry Relax, Release, Renew, Inc contacted Panama City Catholic Charities in late August with a generous invitation to the women residing in the St. Barnabas Transitional Shelter. The organization, made up of a group of multi-talented ladies living in various parts of the country, was convening on Panama City Beach October 3-5 for their Third Annual Retreat. In addition to the goals of the organization, and specific to this retreat- to find “solitude and revitalization, cool ocean breezes” and holding beachfront devotionals away from their (often) hectic lives- the members also wanted to make a contribution to the “host community” and they chose the St. Barnabas House (SBH) as the recipient of their good will. A collection of toiletries, clothing and linens were presented for the residents of SBH. Deb Walton, Program Coordinator of the shelter, along with the in-house manager Diane Langan were on hand Saturday night (Oct. 4) at the Majestic Beach Resort to accept these gifts.
The Relax, Release, Renew Retreat (RRR) involved much more that just R&R. Diane, Tracy and her 8-month old daughter Rema, residents of SBH were extended an invitation to participate in the weekend activities that included guest speakers and workshops, focused on gaining tools that help enrich one’s “spiritual, physical, intellectual and emotional well being”. Tracy shared her experience by saying-“I immediately felt an inward peace, trust and a spiritual renewal when I entered the company of these women…it was very moving”. Thanks to all the wonderful ladies in RRR who allowed Catholic Charities to be an integral part of their Third Annual Retreat!
