Join Us for the 2025 HER Survivor Retreat

A Space for Survivors to Heal, Connect, and Grow

Summer 2025 Retreat applications open

Join us for a transformative 5-day healing experience nestled in the serene mountains of Montana. Designed for 8 survivors of abuse, assault, or stalking, this retreat focuses on empowering survivors through trauma recovery education and fostering connections within a supportive community. Applications are open April 8 - May 10, 2025.

Who should attend?

The retreat welcomes adult survivors of all gender identities who are at a stage in their healing journey where they feel comfortable engaging in group workshops and exploring trauma recovery. If you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of healing alongside other survivors, this retreat offers a nurturing environment. This retreat is not for survivors in an acute stage of crisis.

What to expect

Each day is thoughtfully structured to include trauma recovery workshops, movement sessions, community building, and personal reflection.

When and where is the retreat?

The retreat is from Wednesday, July 16 - Sunday, July 20, in Jefferson County, Montana (we do not publicly display the location of the retreat for our participants’ safety).

“As a genderqueer individual from the reservation, it’s rare to access a weeklong space focused on healing and rest. Now, I find pleasure in my everyday, all thanks to this amazing group fostering hope and healing.”
— Bradley (he/they), 2024 Retreat Participant
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Application process

  1. Create an account through our secure application portal and submit your completed application. Completed applications are due by end of day Saturday, May 10.

  2. Due to limited space availability, our committee will review applications and notify selected participants by May 2025.

  3. If selected, we’ll guide you through the subsequent steps to prepare for the retreat.

  4. A waitlist will be available for applicants who are not initially selected to attend the retreat.

  5. We offer financial aid to assist with travel expenses. Indicate your need within the application and a committee member will reach out with more information. All other retreat costs are covered by We Are HER.

A Look at This Year’s Venue

“Not only am I aware of the positive impact the retreat had on me, but others have noticed the changes I have implemented since returning.”
— Rissa (she/her), 2024 Retreat Participant

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 near 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 May 10, 2025. Applicants will be notified by the end of 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?

Wednesday, July 16 - Sunday, July 20, 2025.

+ How will I know if I’ve been selected to attend the retreat?

You will receive an email from stevie@weareher.net by the end of May.

+ How do I apply to attend the retreat?

You can apply from April 8 until May 10, 2025 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.

“Finding people who experienced sexual abuse by their brother like I did, really helped take away a lot of shame I felt over that.”
— Guy (they/them), 2021 Participant
 

Thank you to our sponsors