“Part of the work was creating safe spaces for everyone to explore old wounds and understand how they were turning up in their lives, impacting the ability to be the best leaders that they could.”
Journey to Self Care is a brief documentary on the CARE project, a program that was created to promote self-care and well-being among leaders and healers whose work impacts vulnerable children in New Orleans. Leaders and healers in New Orleans who experience high levels of stress and burnout need stress management skills and self-care practices in order to continue to sustain their work with children and families, many of whom are suffering from untreated individual and community trauma. The participants in this program came from a range of sectors including community-based nonprofits, philanthropy, education, mental health, culture-bearers, local government, and social justice organizations. Focus areas for the CARE activities were determined by needs identified by the participants, and are organized around three broad wellness areas:
physical health and fitness;
emotional well-being and mindfulness; and
compassionate actions
This documentary shows the Healers and Leaders that participated in the program through retreats, monthly gatherings and skills building activities. Participants describe what it was like being in this space with other leaders and healers, and how much they appreciated the ability to disconnect from stress to rest and recharge, allowing them to move forward feeling more focused and centered. They describe how participating in the CARE project has led them to a deeper understanding of self care, and how to sustain that self care after CARE and into their professional lives and working relationships, so that their work is more authentic, full and impactful. IWES Founder and CEO, Dr. Shervington, mentions that an important
“Modeling how to share and be vulnerable; continue to work on taking care of self is critical to being on my journey.” - Quote by a CARE Project participant