On Saturday morning, the streets of Dodgeville filled with runners, walkers and supporters gathered for the Run Forward 5K and 1‑mile walk. The event, organized by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office Youth Emergency Services (YES) program, aimed to raise funds for Hidden Beauty Retreat, a planned residential mental‑health treatment center dedicated to first responders.
Why the retreat matters
First responders regularly confront traumatic scenes that can leave lasting emotional scars. Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson explained, “They see multiple things that the average brain is not wired to see. It’s to bring awareness to mental health, not only for first responders, but for everybody.” The proposed facility would provide a safe, supportive environment for law‑enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS workers, corrections officers and dispatchers to receive professional mental‑health care after experiencing such events.
Community involvement and youth leadership
The YES program introduces local youth to emergency‑service careers and encourages them to serve their community. This year’s participants took the lead in planning and promoting the Run Forward event, demonstrating the program’s commitment to civic responsibility. Despite chilly weather, dozens of residents turned out, and many traveled from neighboring towns to take part.
“It just shows that there’s a need, that this is wanted, that this is needed not only in our general area but across the United States,” Sheriff Peterson said after the race. He praised the volunteers for their dedication and highlighted the importance of continued fundraising to bring the retreat to life.
Fundraising goals and next steps
All proceeds from the 5K and walk will go directly to Hidden Beauty Retreat. Organizers hope the event will not only provide a financial boost but also spark broader conversations about the mental‑health challenges faced by those who protect our neighborhoods.
Peterson emphasized that the project will require ongoing community support: “This program needs to happen. We need to get this off the ground, and it’s going to take a community to help those that have served them, to be able to make this financially possible.”
Looking ahead
Hidden Beauty Retreat remains in the planning stages, with site selection and construction timelines still under development. The YES program plans to host additional fundraising activities throughout the year, inviting more residents to join the effort.
By uniting youth, first‑responder families and community members, Dodgeville is taking a proactive step toward ensuring that those who answer our calls for help receive the mental‑health care they deserve.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
