This week we asked Regional Program Manager, Wendy Gawlik, questions that relate to her position here at Casting for Recovery. Learn more about Wendy, how she discovered CfR and what she loves most about her job.

How did you come to work at CfR and how long have you been on staff?

I answered a help-wanted ad in the local paper for the Program Dept. Assist position.  At that time I had just reached my one year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer so I thought it would be a good fit for me and I was right.  My first day was April 23, 2012.

What is your current role at CfR and describe your main responsibilities?

My title is Regional Program Manager.  Which means I oversee a number of programs as their main contact with CfR.  This includes helping/guiding them on creating their budget, securing a retreat venue, helping with their retreat and planning teams along with their fundraising endeavors.  Each of my programs are comprised of dedicated volunteers who I enjoy working with.  Some I hear from often and others only contact me when they have a question or situation they need my help with. New for 2020 I will also be working with Martha Robertson, National Participant Coordinator, on making selections for retreats throughout the year.  And in the Fall I administer the annual online auction working with the auction committee and the programs who submit items. 

What’s a typical day like at CfR for you?

Each day revolves around the computer and what is in my inbox along with my to-do list.  My aim is to get as many of the tasks done but if they aren’t I put them on the list for the next day.  During retreat season is is all about getting the information out to the Program Coordinators in a timely manner and being available to them as they need me.  Since I like the administration end of things I do help the Program Department by preparing the emails that are sent with Welcome Letters and Evaluations.  In the Fall I administer the annual online auction working with the auction committee and the programs submitting items.

What do you love about your job? Why is that a good fit for you?

The best part of my job is that everyday is different and that I’m making a difference in our participant’s lives.  I also feel incredibly lucky to work with my colleagues as we support one another in our endeavors.  The icing on the cake is the incredibly giving volunteers who work hard at putting on their retreats. Each program is unique. 

Have you ever attended a retreat and if so, in what capacity?

The first retreat I ever attended was in September 2012 in Stowe, VT.  The staff at this retreat were primarily national staff and I felt very lucky to have been asked to join them as the Hospitality person.  It was an eye opening experience and gave me a complete understanding of the magic that happens.  The next retreat I attended was also in Stowe, VT but this time I was a participant.  Being at a retreat as a participant was very different knowing all that I knew but I put myself into the hands of the caring retreat team and enjoyed it immensely and picked up my love of fly fishing.  Since 2018 I have volunteered annually at the VT retreat, helped launch the NH retreat last year and will be on their staff going forward.  Was also a staff member and the Participant Coordinator for the inaugural military retreat in WV in 2017.  

One thing you’d like the world to know about CfR that they may not already know?

How hard we work!  As a team (staff and volunteers) we strive to make a difference in the lives of our participants.  Continue to assess our impact by reading evaluations carefully and take all suggestions into account to better what we do.  

Encouraging words for a breast cancer survivor?

Apply to the CfR retreat in your area! The retreat will help you navigate the next step in your journey…the one after all your treatment is done and you are wondering what is next.