What Our Attendees Have to Say
“I arrived to the Haven Kid’s Retreats feeling frustrated with foster care, and the retreat helped me get that anger off my chest. We did group therapy and that helped a lot of us. I loved having a friend group that knows what I experience in my family and they helped me feel supported.
The Haven Kid’s Retreat is a fun place to go and take a break. My favorite part was jumping into the water off the blowup float!
I love to foster, but it's hard at times and Haven gives me a place to relax and rest.”
— Brody
“I was abundantly blessed with true rest, super great food, and a time for healing my heart and mind during the retreat.
From midnight snacks to a massage loosening tight muscles, the retreat was a great place to be for the weekend. I was also able to connect with other moms going through very similar things in our homes which is encouraging to know we really aren't alone, weird, or unicorns!”
— Becky
“I attended a Haven Dad’s Retreat and got some much needed rest, as well as the time and space to clear my head. The seemingly endless supply of snacks and drinks was awesome too.
If you're an introvert like me and wonder if this is the thing for you, I assure you it is. Allow yourself to open up, support your fellow attendees, and get refreshed.
You won't regret it.”
— David
“I've been a foster sibling since I was 4 years old and this summer my family was about to adopt the kids that we've had in our house for 2 years.
My weekend at the Bio kid retreat was really fun. I like sitting around the campfire and talking in group therapy - which feels scary at first, but then all the kids start saying the same thing that you're thinking and it's not scary anymore.”
— Slade
“I came to the Haven Mom's Retreat feeling tired and so alone in this process of adoption as I didn't have many friends that could understand the joys and many trials of adoption. During the weekend, I experienced rest and pampering and the wonderful experience of hearing mothers all around me say "me too!"
That weekend has led to wonderful friendships that I greatly value. Haven has helped me feel less alone in the journey.”
— Alina
“Going into The Haven Kids Retreat, I was nervous- but really excited because we don't get to have time for ourselves very often. My favorite part was the water sports, big “scream swing”, and therapy. Therapy was really fun because we got to paint a picture of our feelings. We choose different colors according to how we were feeling inside.
I would want other kids to know that the Haven Kids Retreat is full of foster families and is really fun and they should go. You are not the only one that goes through tough times in fostering kids from hard places.”
— Anna
“I arrived at the Haven Dad’s Retreat deflated and the low pressure light was flashing bright. Through the encouragement of the facilitators, all of the attendees were at ease and responsive during our group and breakout sessions. It was wonderful to see all these dads open up just a little bit about what they’re going through each and every day. I left knowing that I’m not the only dad that feels this way.
Don’t get me wrong- there was work that needed to be done within each of us and we did it. Without complaining and without judgment, I left the retreat feeling acknowledged, refreshed, and rested. Without a doubt, I will be attending future Haven Retreats.”
— Brad
“Haven was hosting one of the Mom Retreats and I decided "maybe I should go". It was one of the BEST decisions I could have ever made for myself. I had no idea how depleted I really was until I got there. The rest, fellowship, therapy and worship that we shared was beyond amazing.
Adoption is beautiful, for sure, but adoption is hard. Haven is the softest place to land when this calling begins to test you to the limit. I believe Haven is one of the most valuable resources that the foster and adoptive parents in this community are in need of. ”
— Trina
“I drove to the Haven Mom’s Retreat not knowing what to expect. From the moment I got there, I was surrounded with love, and could already feel peace. Over the weekend, I was surrounded by a group of women that understood, and I wasn’t alone. I was able to pour my heart out in therapy and hear “you are a great mom… now I need you to take care of you and stand up for you the way you do for those girls.”
Haven was rest. Haven was reconnecting with Jesus. Haven was growth. Haven was community. Haven was everything I needed. I left ready to be the mom my girls needed, and with a renewed mindset that I’m not alone in this journey.
The best part?! Haven didn’t end when I left. They keep coming along side me and my girls and making us feel loved, cared for, and included in a fantastic community.”
— Ashley