The We Are HER Survivor Retreat
Survivor Retreat: June 17-21, 2024
A retreat for survivors of abuse, assault, or stalking
The We Are HER Survivors Retreat is a 5-day healing and educational experience in the mountains of Montana for 10 survivors. The retreat's goal is to empower survivors through education about trauma recovery and connection with other survivors.
Who is this retreat for?
The retreat is for adult survivors of any gender identity. Participants must be at a place in their healing journey where they are comfortable learning about trauma and participating in workshops with other survivors. This retreat is not for survivors who are in an acute stage of crisis or for survivors who are not ready to begin healing in a group setting.
What will I be doing at the retreat?
Each day will have time built in for trauma recovery education workshops, movement, intentional connection, and free time. You can view the 2022 schedule here.
“I felt so incredibly safe and supported, and the retreat allowed me to learn and grow and to move forward, knowing that while healing isn’t linear, it is possible. ”
How to attend the retreat
Create an account through our secure application portal and submit your application.
We have a limited number of spots available for this retreat and can only accept 10 survivors. The HER Retreat Planning Committee will review applications and get back to survivors by late April or early May 2024.
Once survivors are chosen to attend, we will be in touch with the next steps.
A waitlist will be available for applicants who are not initially selected to attend the retreat.
Applicants have the opportunity to apply for financial assistance on the retreat application to cover your travel (all other associated costs are covered by We Are HER). A HER Retreat Planning Committee member will contact you with more information after you apply.
“The safest I have ever felt in my entire life was at the 2021 We Are HER Retreat.”
A Look at Past Retreats
Retreat FAQs
+ Who is this retreat for?
The retreat is for adult survivors of all gender identities who are 18 years of age or older. Participants must be at a place in their healing journey where they are comfortable learning about trauma and participating in workshops with other survivors. This retreat is not for survivors who are in an acute stage of crisis or for survivors who are not ready to begin healing in a group setting.
+ How much does the retreat cost?
Food and lodging are provided. Participants who do not ask for a travel scholarship will be responsible for transportation to and from the pick-up location for the retreat. Thanks to support from the HER communitity we are able to decrease your cost and offer travel scholarships. 100 percent of participants who ask for a travel scholarship receive one.
+ Where is the retreat located?
For the safety of participants, we do not publicly display the location of our retreat. Our retreat is in Bozeman, Montana. Participants will receive the details about location and lodging with their welcome packets when selected.
+ What is the time-frame for attending the retreat?
Applications for the retreat will be open until April 12, 2024. Applicants will be notified by late April/early May if they are selected to participate in the retreat. Some applicants may be put on a waiting list in case there are cancellations.
+ Is the retreat confidential?
Yes, we never share your information with anyone outside of We Are HER’s retreat staff and volunteers.
+ What will survivors do at the retreat?
Each day, survivors will participate in a variety of activities that align with one of our three retreat goals.
-Trauma Recovery Education - Workshops that are hosted by survivor experts and relate back to trauma recovery will be offered daily.
-Story Sharing - while we never ask someone to share their story publicly, many of our workshop topics will relate back to sharing your story in a personal way that empowers you to reclaim your voice.
-Community Building - we want to offer a safe space for survivors to connect with other survivors and form bonds and friendships.
+ Will I have to share my story at the retreat?
You are under no obligation to share any details of your story at the retreat. All of our workshops can be tailored to your comfort level and boundaries around sharing.
+ How will this retreat help survivors?
Our goal is to facilitate a safe space where survivors can heal, grow, and create authentic connections. We want to empower you to define what healing looks like on an individual level while providing time and space to discover and engage in restorative care.
+ What should I pack for the retreat?
Participants who are selected to attend the retreat will receive a packing list.
+ Will there be free time?
Yes. Each day has free time built into the schedule so you can relax, take time to yourself, or bond with other survivors.
+ Will therapy be offered at the retreat?
No. The purpose of the retreat is to provide survivors with tools they need to continue healing once they are home. While therapy will not be offered, trained advocates will be available to support participants.
+ Is there Wifi and cell service at the retreat?
Yes, there is both Wifi and cell service.
+ Can I bring my emotional support animal?
No. Unfortunately, emotional support animals are not allowed at the retreat venue. However, if you have a service animal, they are permitted to attend with you.
+ Is We Are HER associated with a religion?
No. The We Are HER Retreat is a free, secular, and educational opportunity. We understand that religion can be important to a survivor’s healing journey and welcome practitioners of all faiths and belief systems. Everyone heals differently, and we ask everyone not to impart their religious beliefs on anyone else during the retreat.
+ When is the retreat?
Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21, 2024.
+ How will I know if I’ve been selected to attend the retreat?
You will receive an email from stevie@weareher.net by April of 2024.
+ How do I apply to attend the retreat?
You can apply from March 8 until April 12, 2024 using the application form below.
+ How do I apply for a travel scholarship?
On your application, simply check Yes on the box for a financial assistance scholarship. Someone from We Are HER will be in touch to follow up with your request.
+ What are your COVID-19 protocols in place to keep participants safe?
We will be following the guidance of the Gallatin County Health Department for all COVID-19 protocols.
Travel Scholarships
100% of survivors who ask for a travel scholarship receive one. A HER Planning Committee member will reach out to learn more about your financial needs. It’s important to us that we make this retreat as accessible as possible to every survivor. We do not want finances to be a barrier for anyone applying. We Are HER pays for all food and lodging costs. It is our goal to make this as financially accessible as possible.
“Finding people who experienced sexual abuse by their brother like I did, really helped take away a lot of shame I felt over that.”
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