Partners with the Noblesville advisory council on disabilities for inaugural caregiver retreat

Every day, caregivers pour their hearts into supporting children, adults, and loved ones with disabilities. While their care changes lives, it can also take a toll, leaving little time for rest, reflection, or personal renewal. The Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities recognized that caregivers deserve the same compassion they so freely give to others and teamed up with BehaviorWorks ABA to make this event come to life. This inspired the creation of the first-ever Caregiver Retreat, a day designed entirely around rest, connection, and appreciation.

Honoring Caregivers

On Saturday, September 20, BehaviorWorks ABA partnered with the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities to host the first-ever Caregiver Retreat, an afternoon dedicated to those who give so much of themselves every day.

From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., caregivers came together to relax, recharge, and connect in a positive and supportive environment. Guests enjoyed gentle yoga, chair massages, hand, arm, and scalp massages, and hands-on make-and-take activities including flower bouquets, scented body scrubs, and personalized “Tags to Taps” projects. Snacks and refreshments were provided by Debbie’s Daughters, BeeFree, and Rosie’s. Each activity was intentionally selected to nurture both body and mind. Gentle yoga encouraged mindfulness and deep breathing, helping participants quiet their thoughts. The bouquetmaking station offered a creative outlet that symbolized growth and gratitude, while the body scrubs and hand massages provided soothing sensory relief. Together, these experiences reminded caregivers that their own well-being matters, too.

“It was amazing to have a space just for us—to focus on our wellness and connect with others who truly understand.” – Caregiver attendee.

The Importance Of Caregiver Wellness

Studies show that caregiver well-being directly impacts the quality of care they provide. Events like this retreat help reduce stress, increase resilience, and foster positive relationships with both the children they care for and the broader community. By prioritizing wellness, caregivers can continue to nurture their loved ones without burnout, a vital investment in both family and community health.

Building Community Partnerships

The retreat also reflected the power of partnership. By bringing together small businesses, wellness professionals, and local government, the event showed what’s possible when a community rallies behind those who need it most. Each contributor played a meaningful role, whether through time, talent, or resources, creating a ripple effect of compassion and connection that extended beyond the event itself.

Supporting Families

Through BehaviorWorks ABA generously provided the venue, childcare, and refreshments, making this special day possible. Their mission is to inspire behavior change, promote inclusion, and foster independence through excellence in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). BehaviorWorks has been an accredited provider of early intervention since 2023. BehaviorWorks was founded in 2006 with a mission to provide high quality, compassionate care rooted in evidence-based practices. Over nearly two decades, the organization has grown to serve hundreds of families across Central Indiana. The team believes in empowering both children and their caregivers—because when families thrive, communities thrive. BehaviorWorks understands that support provided today can have a lasting impact on children and families.

They are welcoming new clients to their Noblesville location and continuing to expand their reach to serve families across the Hamilton County area as well. For more information or to schedule a consultation or a tour, please call 317731-7777 to speak with their intake specialist. BehaviorWorks services include:

• Autism Screenings & Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations

• Early Intervention Therapy for Autism (Ages 2–10)

• 1:1 School-Based Inclusive Support

• Community Waiver Behavior Support Services

• 7-Week Summer Social Emotional Development Program for Autism (Enrollment opens in January!

Space is limited.

Reflection

The inaugural Caregiver Retreat demonstrated that when a community comes together to uplift its members, the effects extend far beyond a single afternoon. Caregivers left with renewed energy, meaningful connections, and tangible reminders that their work matters. Through collaboration, compassion, and intentional programming, BehaviorWorks ABA and its partners continue to set a standard for supporting families in ways that inspire lasting change.

This was just one example of how BehaviorWorks invests in families. By partnering with the Noblesville Advisory Council and welcoming spaces at their Noblesville clinic, the organization wants to make sure that caregivers have access to therapeutic services, educational resources, and a community that truly understands their journey. Their center is not just a place for therapy—it’s a hub for support, learning, and connection for children and families.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE RETREAT

This event was brought to life through the dedication of the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities: Jennifer Wiese, Jennifer Sell, Yolanda Kincaid, Carrie Hobbs-Guiden, Amy Roberts, Marya Sherron, Lexie Rock, and Reece Bowen.

“Our goal was to create a space where caregivers feel valued, supported, and inspired.” – Advisory Council

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

• BehaviorWorks ABA: Event coordination, childcare, refreshments, and venue support. www.BehaviorWorksABA. com / 317-731-7777

• Fabee’s Simple Farm: A familyrun farm in Cicero, Indiana, Fabee’s Simple Farm provides locally grown produce and flowers while supporting community engagement and sustainable agriculture. They donated flowers for bouquetmaking, connecting guests to the beauty of nature and local agriculture. Website: https://www.fabeessimplefarm.com/

• Richelle Vaughn, Enlightened Yoga & Wellness: Led gentle yoga sessions to promote mindfulness and self-care. Phone Number: (317) 260-8263, Website: https:// enlightenedyogaandwellness.com/

• Beauty & Grace Aesthetics: Offered hand, arm, and scalp massages to empower and rejuvenate attendees

Phone: (317) 669-1299 Website: beautygraceaesthetics.com

• BeeFree (Jennifer Wiese): A nonprofit supporting adults with disabilities through skill-building and community involvement, BeeFree Bakes promotes independence and confidence while giving back through meaningful work. They provided snacks and guided a scented body scrub activity; BeeFree supports adults with disabilities through its nonprofit BeeFree Bakes. Phone: (800) 677-4840 Website: https:// www.beefreegf.com/, (800) 677-4840

• Steve Witta & Mayor’s Youth Council: Introduced “Tags to Tap” and “Love Taps,” uplifting participants through positive messages; proceeds support Ben’s Ranch Foundation. Website: https://tagstotap.com/

• Marlaina Pertile, Licensed Massage Therapist: Offered chair massages, helping caregivers relax and recharge Phone: 317-796-6109 Email: marlaina514@gmail.com

A Lasting Impact

Thanks to this collaboration, caregivers left the retreat feeling refreshed, valued, and inspired. Events like this highlight the power of community, wellness, and support for those who dedicate themselves to caring for others. Thank you BehaviorWorks ABA and the Noblesville Advisory Council on Disabilities extend heartfelt gratitude to every caregiver who attended, every volunteer who served, and every business that contributed. Together, they made space for something powerful: rest, recognition, and renewal. Because when caregivers are cared for, everyone benefits—and that’s the kind of change that lasts.

For more information about BehaviorWorks and their Community Events, please contact 317-731-7777 to subscribe to our newsletter.

Happy Holidays!