At the end of March, the CHR team traveled to Essence of Tranquility in Safford, Arizona for our annual staff retreat. Nestled among serene desert landscapes and soothing hot springs, the retreat gave us a space to step away from the intensity of our day-to-day work and simply be with one another. Between our all-staff meeting, soaking under gorgeous weather, laughter and long introspective conversations, the experience reminded us how essential joy and rest are to sustaining this work. Staff described the retreat as rejuvenating, grounding, and full of camaraderie – deeply centered on connection with each other and ourselves.
Naturally, food became one of the heartbeats of the retreat. Our team loves cooking almost as much as we love eating. There was something special about preparing meals together and gathering around the table to break bread. Lu earned legendary status after making what many declared “the best lasagna ever,” while Samuel simultaneously became both hero and comedian after successfully putting out a small oven fire during the cooking chaos. The kitchen was filled with storytelling, teamwork, and the kind of warmth that only comes from sharing food made with care. It served as a reminder that nourishment is about far more than what’s on the plate.
True to CHR fashion, the retreat also came with plenty of unforgettable moments and inside jokes. Samuel kept playfully referencing the retreat center’s name, announcing things like, “This tranquility… I feel the essence of it,” which quickly became a running joke. Some staff explored the beautiful surroundings on a walk with beloved staff dogs Biggs and Tifa, while others took quiet moments to themselves to read, relax, and soak. One late-night soak in the communal hot springs turned magical, complete with glow sticks while Ashley handed out little “squad” bracelets, a nostalgic nod to rave kandi culture that somehow captured the playful spirit of the stay.
At its core, this retreat reminded us that care for ourselves and each other is vital. The work we do requires compassion, resilience, and heart, and spaces like this allow us to refill our cups so we can continue showing up for one another and those we serve. We left Safford feeling rested, closer, and deeply grateful for the chance to experience this together. A very special thank you goes to Jackie Brittain, our Special Projects Manager, whose thoughtful planning and care brought this retreat to life.