Just For Widows

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 42 reviews 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Ann 
 
 
 
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Nearly a year after I lost my beloved husband, I attended a retreat with these folks. I still miss my love daily, but Anne-Marie and Ron gave me tools and a support network (including wonderful new friends!) to move forward without feeling like I'm leaving him behind. If you feel stuck in the sadness and hopelessness grief, I recommend reaching out to them as an important first step in learning how to craft the next part of your life.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Karen Elliott 
 
 
 
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Anne-Marie and Ron were amazing in helping me process so many emotions and feelings. For so many months I could not have imagined seeing past my grief and sadness.  They gave me hope, peace and so much more. Admittedly I was very nervous to take such a leap and coming to the retreat. I could not have been met with more comfort, compassion, thoughtfulness and kindness to help me figure out my next chapters of life without the love of my life. They are an incredible team !
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Orida Edwards 
 
 
 
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For many years now, annual retreats have been an important part of my self-care — one women’s retreat (preferably a preached but silent retreat) and one couples’ retreat in addition to periodic days of reflection. Until recently, I have never been widowed so I never sought or even researched options for a widows’ retreat. Without a shadow of a doubt, I can wholeheartedly say I feel like I hit the lottery jackpot when I landed in the care of Anne-Marie, Ron, and the team of professionals to whom God entrusted my heart during The Next Chapter Widows’ Retreat. Within 24 hours of my arrival, I was certain of two things:  (1) the level of care I was receiving was nothing short of phenomenal; and (2) ALL of the professionals working with us had a deep and unwavering passion for ministering to widows. Imagine receiving one-on-one counseling, guidance, and intensive therapy. Imagine the safe space that naturally resulted from intimate group sessions limited to four widows who almost immediately became part of a really tight-knit community that felt more like family than friends. Imagine being led through a grief process that promotes honoring the memory of your late husband and carrying his spirit and his presence with you into the future as you begin the next chapter of your journey in a super healthy way! This imagination quickly became a reality for me during the pre-arrival exercises and especially once I was able to enter our safe space, embrace Anne-Marie, Ron, their support team, and my fellow retreatants.  I will forever be grateful for the role that The Next Chapter Retreat team played in preparing me for the next phase of my journey, for providing us with a toolkit of techniques we can use to deal with various other losses, and for making themselves available to us post-retreat. This is really my definition of family. I am truly grateful to now be a part of The Next Chapter family.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Denise Peise 
 
 
 
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I cannot express the gratitude I feel for Ron, Anne-Marie, Sadie and my fellow Hummingbirds.  I was nervous to attend the retreat but upon arrival was quickly put at ease by the warm, welcoming environment and instant connection all of my fellow widows formed.  From how we all seemed to feel and interact during the course of the retreat, I feel we made some important strides in the healing process and I took home some valuable tools that I could use back home in everyday life.  I highly recommend this retreat to anyone who has the need.  It was transformational for me! Thank you Hummingbirds! And a deep, sincere expression of thanks to Anne-Marie and Ron.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nancy Osman 
 
 
 
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Ann Marie and Ron are thoughtful in every way. While at the widows retreat my mind, body, soul and heart were cared for. They are compassionate leaders. Everything done has a purpose, trust the process and you will not regret taking the time to come to The Haven. As Ann Marie says "the work is brutiful"
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Cindy Napolitano 
 
 
 
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I absolutely recommend the Widow's Retreat with Anne-Marie & Ron. I was so scared to go but I needed and wanted help with my grief.

I never thought that a weekend could make the difference in my perspective on the loss of my beloved Patrick. They do not ask you to leave your person behind.  They help you to go into your next chapter with all the memories of your LOVE bringing him along.

They treat you with kindness and love. Everything you need or want is there. You have all the privacy you want in a beautiful environment. They encourage you , in a firm but gentle way,
to go places , in your mind, you didn't think you could possibly do.

The other Ladies help with the process. They truly understand and yet all our stories were so different and yet the same.
It was also wonderful to work with the horses. The horses had a way of teaching us about ourselves with their wonderful handler Kelly.

If you have the opportunity to go.... GO!!!!  They said I would feel lighter. I thought they were crazy but it is so true. It takes hard work but you can do it. I did it and am so eternally grateful.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Michelle MC 
 
 
 
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I'm so grateful I attended the Widow's Retreat last month, and did some exceptional grief work to help me move forward! Ron and Anne-Marie are quite amazing people and such gifted counselors. Seek them out. There is true healing when we do the work. On to the Next Chapter!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Linda 
 
 
 
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I recommend this weekend retreat to any widow who has done some of the hard grieving work, perhaps feels stuck, and needs some help and guidance to move forward. I felt a seismic shift happen within me after the retreat. Something almost tangible yet hard to express in words. I came home and found myself more present and ready to live. I don't think about my husband and fall into the well of obsessive thinking about all that happened the last year of his life; the things I did and didn't do, and the things I said, and didn't say, etc. The freedom from perseverating over the past has been lifted. This is a huge relief.

Anne-Marie and Ron provide a safe, comforting, beautiful and nurturing place to stay. They thought of everything. You will be taken care of in a gentle, loving way so that you can focus on yourself, your grief, the exercises and enjoying connecting with three other women who "get it". I'm truly grateful for the opportunity I had to do this important work. I never imagined so much healing could take place in one weekend, but for me, it did. I feel clearer, I am more grounded, and able to move forward in a way I previously could not have imagined. This weekend was one of the best gifts I could give myself during this difficult time.

If you are ready to commit to working hard, being vulnerable, and willing to sit with difficult emotions; If you can let go of any expectations and remain open to the possibilities; I believe this weekend retreat can be of benefit to you.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Marisa Katnić 
 
 
 
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This retreat exceeded my expectations and gave me heartfelt hope.  Ron and Anne-Marie are beyond gracious and knowledgeable in dealing with widows.  I am beyond grateful.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Shameem Sennese 
 
 
 
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Where to begin? This beautiful retreat at The Haven was a blessing to me on so many levels. First off, Ann-Marie and Ron are so warm and welcoming. They listen to you and do not judge where you are at on your grief journey. They simply come along side you, giving you new tools and ways to cope.The grounds are incredible and beautiful.Easy to get to from airport. Everything was so lovely's many personal touches. The equine therapy with Enzo was surprisingly helpful.I and no idea until I got there what the horse/equine therapy would entail. Amazing experience.
There's one on one therapy and group sessions. I enjoyed getting to know the other women, now I have  formed some new and beautiful friendships. I would highly recommend Haven retreat for anyone with a new or old loss. Needing to have some type of breakthrough.... this was a safe space to be open to next steps.You won't regret it.