FALL RETREAT 2022

GriefHope is a Christian retreat for mothers who have experienced the loss of a child. The retreat is designed to offer support from a biblical perspective for the unique grief associated with child loss. 

GriefHope is intentionally designed as a small group weekend experience (six to ten women), consisting of structured and unstructured sessions to provide opportunities for fellowship, reflection, and growth. The retreat is located in northern Indiana, in the heart of Amish country, at a private retreat center with six private rooms, each with a queen bed and private bath. 

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GriefHope is led by Shawnda Freer. Shawnda is a wife and mother who has been a Christian most of her life. Her professional background is in counseling and education. Married for 32 years, she and her husband, Keith have two children, Meghan & Andrew. Andrew is a recent college graduate, navigating young adulthood. In May of 2018, at the age of 21, Meghan went to Heaven. Child loss opened new areas of understanding about the character of God, the hope of Jesus, the truth of Scripture, and the pain of grief for Shawnda and she now comes alongside bereaved mothers to grieve, grow, and learn together.

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Recommendations for GriefHope from former participants:

"The comradery of those who, by experience, share your grief journey is priceless. I highly recommend the retreat."

"Don't be afraid to come and share, listen and encourage one another. It is so good to be with others who understand your deep sorrow. The retreat stresses Jesus is also a man of sorrow and understands what we are feeling."

"You are not alone. There's peace to know you can reach out to another grieving mother."

"Being with other grieving mothers allowed me to grieve in a safe place with women who knew my pain."

"I was scared to share my most intimate feelings of the loss of my son. However, every mom in attendance had felt the same. I am so pleased to have attended and been open to what God had in store for me."

"This weekend has been incredily impactful as I learned to hear Jesus within my sorrow....How I could see and trust His purpose & love within this time of grief. It is not wasted...I am not alone."

"My eyes have been opened; my heart poured out to others that understand my grief. What a weekend! Thank you Jesus."

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Cost - $350 plus Sat. lunch & Sat. dinner (includes 2 nights lodging, Sat. & Sun. breakfast, and retreat materials)

****SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATE AVAILABLE FOR FALL RETREAT 2022, if financial assistance is needed ~ 

Contact Shawnda Freer for details at shfreer@msn.com

Financial Assistance - We do not want the cost of the retreat to be prohibitive for anyone; please be assured that the cost is not inflated beyond the actual costs incurred for the retreat. We understand the sensitive nature of asking for assistance but often, family & friends welcome an opportunity to serve you in your grief. We suggest that you ask one family member or friend to serve as a point person to which other friends and family members can contribute toward your retreat cost. Once the full amount is collected and distributed to you, you can register for the retreat.

Wait List - once a retreat is full, you may still register for that retreat to be placed on the wait list. No payment is required at the time of registration. If there is a cancellation, the wait list members will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis to join the retreat. If there are no cancellations, those on the wait list will be given priority registration for the following retreat.

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Pregnancy and Neonatal Loss - We deeply empathize with any parent who has experienced child loss, of any age and by any means. Child loss is devastating and we in no way minimize the loss for any parent. We do acknowledge, however, that there are unique needs in child loss and the GriefHope retreat cannot adequately meet the needs of all grieving mothers.

If you have experienced the loss of a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth, we are very sorry but GriefHope does not address pregnancy loss. We trust that the Lord will provide other ways to receive support in your grief.    

Two resources that may be helpful are: 

https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/dealing-with-grief-after-the-death-of-your-baby.aspx

and https://www.compassionatefriends.org/stillbirth-miscarriage-infant-death/

If you experienced neonatal loss, please review the retreat schedule to determine if you believe it will be helpful to you in your grief journey. We will be sharing photos of our children and discussing practical aspects of grief that involve our child's presence in our home. If you want to attend the retreat, we are honored you will join us.

Two resources that may be helpful are: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/neonatal-death.aspx

and https://www.compassionatefriends.org/stillbirth-miscarriage-infant-death/

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Our prayer is that each mom will find biblical hope, peace, and community through GriefHope. 

'We do not grieve as those who have no hope.' ~ I Thess. 4:13

We look forward to meeting you! 

If you have further questions, please contact Shawnda Freer at shfreer@msn.com.

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The fees and cancellation policy, attendance policy and release of liability/disclaimer policy are available on the event registration form.