The Grant Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to liberating young men from the epidemic of child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts, proudly presents "Conquering The Invisible War" Retreat. This transformative retreat is designed exclusively for men who have experienced the traumatic effects of child sexual abuse. Our aim is to provide a safe and supportive environment where participants can embark on a healing journey, regain their power, and reclaim their lives. Together, we will address the invisible scars of abuse, foster resilience, and empower survivors to thrive.

KEY OBJECTIVES...

1. Provide a safe space: We create an atmosphere of trust, empathy, and respect, ensuring participants feel comfortable opening up and sharing their experiences without judgment or shame.
2. Foster healing and empowerment: We offer therapeutic tools, resources, and expert guidance to facilitate healing and empower participants to take control of their lives.
3. Build a supportive community: Participants will connect with other survivors, fostering a sense of belonging and support that is vital for their recovery journey.
4. Raise awareness and promote prevention: Through educational workshops, we aim to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, its impacts, and prevention strategies to protect future generations.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS...

1. Courageous Storytelling Sessions: Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, helping to release the burden of their experiences. Professional facilitators and trained counselors will guide these sessions, fostering healing and validation.

2. Therapeutic Workshops and Activities: a. Trauma-Informed Therapy: Participants will engage in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), tailored specifically for survivors of child sexual abuse. b. Art and Expressive Therapy: Through various artistic mediums, participants can express their emotions, explore their inner selves, and promote healing in a creative and therapeutic manner. c. Mindfulness and Meditation: Guided meditation and mindfulness exercises will be incorporated to help participants develop emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and cultivate self-compassion.

3. Supportive Community Building: a. Group Therapy Sessions: Led by experienced therapists, participants will engage in group discussions to share experiences, provide support, and learn from one another's resilience. b. Recreational Activities: Enjoy outdoor adventures, team-building exercises, and recreational activities designed to foster camaraderie and create lasting connections.

4. Educational Workshops: a. Understanding the Impact: Expert-led workshops will delve into the psychological, emotional, and physical impacts of child sexual abuse, equipping participants with knowledge to navigate their healing journey. b. Prevention Strategies: Learn effective prevention strategies, empowering participants to protect themselves and future generations from child sexual abuse.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE RETREAT 

Each day of retreat offers a variety of classes and activities that you can choose to participate in based on your needs. You will also have personal time to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. Your individual healing journey is unique, and our goal is to provide support through education, experience, community, personal time, and guided online courses.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE RETREAT?

The Retreat is designed for adult men who were sexually abused at or before age 18. However, the retreat is best suited to survivors who:

• Function well across multiple areas of their lives.
• Can safely live in a social environment for four days with a group of other survivors.
• Can abstain from drugs and alcohol for four days without withdrawals. Are still affected, often deeply, by their past.

We created The Conquering The Invisible War Retreat because we saw various services for survivors in crisis, but virtually nothing for survivors who, years or decades later, still feel the effects of the abuse. If you have been managing the impacts of child sexual abuse but continue to find it difficult to cope, The Conquering The Invisible War Retreat may be for you.

However, the Retreat is not a crisis intervention program. We encourage men who are struggling with significant untreated mental health symptoms, active drug, and alcohol addiction, or homelessness to seek other professional help prior to applying.

WHERE IS THE RETREAT?

Currently, the retreat is hosted in two locations: Texas and Georgia. You will have the opportunity to choose which location you prefer to attend when you submit your application request. Both sites use the same learning practices as well as the same exercises to help you on your healing journey.

WHAT IS THE COST TO ATTEND?

Thanks to the generosity of our founders and donors, survivors participate in the retreat for free (includes food, lodging, and services). Participants are responsible for travel to and from the pick-up locations for the in-person experience.