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
“This past year, I attended my first Haven mom’s retreat and my husband, Andy, attended his third Dad’s Retreat.
The level of care and love that goes into these retreats is unmatched. We have felt the love and care of Jesus through the caring hands of the Haven community and it’s been an instrumental part of healing and strengthening our family to walk forward as a family of seven.”
— Sunita
“Haven Retreats has been a lifeline for us. I doubt whether we would still be fostering today without the rest, support, and community that Haven has provided us.
My wife, Sarah, and I have been to several retreats and return from each one recovered, deeply rested, and sustained to continue this hard, good work. We really cannot emphasize enough the desperate difference Haven is making in our lives and the lives of the children we are able to care for. “
— James
“My favorite part of Haven Bio Kids Retreat is therapy. I like being able to say what I’m feeling and making new friends.
Having community with other kids feels good because I can say “I did that, too” or “that happens in my family, too!” I love meeting friends who can relate to my experiences. I love Haven because the retreat is so fun and they also help our family and provide fun and helpful stuff for us.”
— Kenna
“I found out about Haven in a moment of desperate googling. My husband and I were at the end of our rope, lacking support and feeling completely alone. I felt like I was falling apart and failing at the most important job I've ever done. I drove 6 hours to go to my first retreat, telling myself to give this a chance before throwing in the towel... or driving off a bridge, which crossed my mind many times.
That retreat experience gave me the boost I needed to go home, stand up straight and try again. I didn't fix everything in therapy that weekend, but I opened up enough to feel like I could breathe again, like there was hope for better days.”
— Lori
“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
“When I think about an organization that has had an everlasting impact on my family and me- I think about Haven Retreats.
I have been blessed to attend two Mom’s Retreats, my husband has attended one Dad’s Retreat and we both attended a Couple’s Retreat together.
Haven not only has given us amazing respite weekends, but also supported us immeasurably throughout the year.”
— Winnie