Resolving Trauma, A Men’s Veteran Healing Retreat

Resolving Trauma, A Men’s Veteran Healing Retreat

We’re excited to offer this new and exciting Trauma Resolution Retreat! Take part in The Cortina Method (TCM) to resolve your trauma. Imagine a life free of the pain and symptoms created by PTS. Replace that with joy, gratitude, relief, and excitement! This retreat features trauma resolution expert, Michael Cortina, and his team, equine therapy and holistic wellness sessions such as yoga, Reiki, and reflexology.

The Cortina Method (TCM) is a brain-based healing methodology to resolve trauma. It utilizes a strategic protocol rooted in neuroscience for efficient outcomes with an emphasis on people NOT having to relive or reexperience distressing emotions. It involves brain optimization and reprocessing. Brain optimization is getting the brain to respond to life, in the most enticing and optimal way possible.

TCM resolves trauma/PTS in as little as a single visit. The outcome is that people share that painful emotions are replaced with joy, gratitude, relief, and excitement. It resolves and removes triggers and symptoms. People say that they are AMAZED at how they feel, and think are so much more productive, advantageous, and desirable after TCM. Changes are sustainable.

Learn more about Michael Cortina and The Cortina Method at his website https://michaelcortina.com/.

Lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost to participants. A registration fee of $50 will be refunded one week after the completion of the retreat. You must arrange for your own transportation.

Space is limited to 10 men.

Apply now at Project New Hope! www.projectnewhopema.org/home/retreats/

Please contact Susan Wilder for questions regarding this retreat. smwilder@projectnewhopema.org (508) 762-9738

  • October 12-16, 2023
  • Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center
    53 Mill Street
    Westfield, MA 01085

Veteran’s Equine Retreat

Veteran’s Equine Retreat

The Veterans Equine Retreat offers a weekend of connecting with two friendly horses, Ida Mae and Tessa. These two Veteran-owned mares are incredible creatures who require a great deal of care and patience. Just like Veterans, horses can be strong-willed, hard-working, and very skilled in their training activities. Connecting with horses allows Veterans to connect with themselves.

Equine therapy is a fun way to express care and concern for the horses, rekindling a sense of responsibility in a safe environment. Veterans can experience greater self-awareness while caring for something other than themselves. It can benefit those who struggle with PTS, substance use disorders, service injuries, and mental health conditions. This Retreat will help remind participants that they need patience and care in their recovery process.

Veterans will engage in horse-related activities, including grooming, feeding, and leading it around an enclosure. There will be no riding the horses. Overcoming potential fears or anxiety when being around such large animals and seeing how gentle they are when properly cared for reinforces the skills needed to: increase self-esteem, grow emotionally, become more self-aware, focus on well-being, solve problems, and enhance social skills.

Lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost to participants. A registration fee of $50 will be refunded one week after the completion of the retreat. You must arrange for your own transportation.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call (508) 762-9738

  • September 29 – October 1, 2023
  • Camp Aldersgate & Retreat Center
    1043 Snake Hill Road
    North Scituate, RI 02857

Post Traumatic Stress Veterans Retreat 2023

Post Traumatic Stress Veterans Retreat 2023

This Retreat is now full

This retreat is for individual Veterans and/or Couples

Escape the darkness of PTS and other life struggles with a clear goal and a solid plan. This Ladder UPP retreat will help you figure out where you are going and how to use your traumas and trials as fuel to live.

You will learn tools for recovery, PTS, and depression, or just a difficult trial or transition in life. Join us on this weeklong retreat in beautiful Maine and take a step towards living free. “The Ladder UPP” is a data-driven program and has been proven effective and might just be the step up you need. Thankfully, he found his “reason to live” and the journey has continued. Wherever you are at, welcome to this retreat.

Then challenge yourself by taking part in exciting and relaxing activities on the 133 acres of property, walk down to the beach (just 3 blocks away) and enjoy the sunrise. Head out to the observation deck and watch the birds and other wildlife. Sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows and enjoy each other’s company. Wellness activities like hiking, yoga, reflexology, massage, reiki, IET, Mindfulness to name a few.

Learn more about Silouan and “The Ladder UPP” at www.silouan.com.

A $50 fee/per person, $100/couple will be required at time of registration and will be refunded a week after completion of the retreat. If you cancel 2 weeks or less leading up to retreat, are a no-show or leave before the completion of Retreat your Deposit will not be refunded. Our retreats are 100% drug and alcohol free.

Lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost, but participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the retreat. Check-in 3:00 PM.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call 508-762-9738

Retreat registration closes two weeks prior to the start date.

Proof of Military Service (no exceptions). Military ID, DD-214, VA Health Care Card or Driver’s License with “Veteran” on license will be required before attending retreat.

Mail, fax or email Proof of Military Service.
Project New Hope Inc.
70 James Street, Suite 129A
Worcester, MA 01603
Fax: 508-304-9245
dmoore@projectnewhopema.org


PTSD Veterans Retreat
in partnership with
United Way

  • August 20-25, 2023
  • Camp Wightman
    207 Coal Pit Hill Rd
    Griswold, CT 06351
  • Presenter:
    Silouan Green
    Creator of “The Ladder UPP” program

Phoenix Tales Storytelling Retreat for Veterans

Phoenix Tales Storytelling Retreat for Veterans

Veterans, you are invited to discover the power of storytelling! Are your stories untold? Veterans often bear the burden of past experiences in silence because they are too painful and want to enjoy time with loved ones. This storytelling weekend will empower you to share these stories and lift the weight of your experiences. The Phoenix Tales Storytelling team will guide you in crafting a true, short, verbal story about a past event from your life.

By creating a new story about a past challenge, you’ll re-author the story you’ve been telling yourself. Gain new perspectives, actively engage in personal healing and growth, and find a new avenue of creative expression by discovering your own Phoenix Tale. You will have an opportunity to share the finished stories with other Veterans at the end, but there is no obligation. This story is for you! You have fought for the freedom of others. Now, set yourself free from the past, have a little fun, and celebrate your triumphs through the magic and power of one of our oldest forms of connection and communication – storytelling!

Phoenix Tales Storytelling uses the art form of personal narrative storytelling as a framework for connection, recovery, growth, change, and healing. This is especially powerful for Veterans who have lived through separation, trauma, violence, and loss. Grief can be particularly challenging for Veterans facing major or chronic illness and mental health or substance use challenges. Phoenix Tales Storytelling team are humans who have met many challenges themselves and have all found healing and growth in the storytelling process. They care greatly about fostering safe, brave, trauma-informed spaces for fun, connection, and creative expression through storytelling.

Lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost to participants. A registration fee of $50 will be refunded one week after the completion of the retreat. You must arrange for your own transportation.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call (508) 762-9738

  • April 14-16, 2023
  • Grotonwood Conference Center
    167 Prescott Street
    Groton, MA 01450

Family Veterans Retreat

Family Veterans Retreat

REGISTRATION CLOSED – RETREAT FULL

Would you like to improve your family getting along better than ever and having fun together in Ocean Park, Maine. In today’s fast-paced world, the greatest challenge is creating opportunities to spend quality time with family. As a result, many parents have difficulty connecting and understanding and helping their children with their problems and children have difficulty with communication and coping skills. Would you like to build family resilience? If so, this Project new Hope family retreat may be just for you. It is free to Military and Veteran families; married two-parent and single parent families and their children

In addition to workshops, the retreat will include – Campfires, Beach and Pool time, Miniature Golf and more. Located just over an hour north of Boston, 15 minutes south of Portland, Maine, and a quick walk (just 3 blocks away) to the beach and a 20-minute walk to the pier in Old Orchard.

Lodging, meals, and activities are all provided at no cost to participant, there is a $50 dollar registration fee that is refunded one week after completion of retreat. You must arrange your own transportation to and from Ocean Park, ME.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call (508) 762-9738

  • June 25-30, 2023
  • Oceanwood Camp and Conference Center
    17 Royal Street
    Ocean Park, ME 04063

Combat Women’s Veterans Retreat

Combat Women’s Veterans Retreat

How Did the Retreat Go?

– Always a relaxing and bonding retreat, love the very peaceful Genesis Retreat facility.

– These retreats provide me with much needed breaks from my hectic life. I appreciate the Art and Holistic and Wellness therapies and sessions od self-awareness. I especially appreciate the opportunity to share stories of triumph and challenges with other women Veterans. Massage was very beneficial, loosened tense muscles and I encourage others to take advantage of these retreats.

– Reflexology was a new experience I didn’t know anything about it, and it was the most relaxing thing.

– The most beneficial activity was having a safe place to let go of emotions and create space for new things. I really enjoyed the “Insight Timer” app that was shared with us.

– The most beneficial activity was the rest, relaxation and meeting all the interesting and strong women Veterans. Everyone was great, Donna and Sue were excellent and very friendly. The activities were very interesting and relaxing, and I look forward to attending another retreat.

– The most beneficial activity was Massage, Meditation, Yoga and Breathing Exercise.

– The most beneficial activity was the Red Cross Workshops, interesting activities, and beneficial exercises to help refocus. Donna and Susan were great in ensuring everything ran smoothly and everyone know what was going on and where. The workshops and wellness activities were great and well suited to exposing us to things we hadn’t tried or experienced before. The retreat was great, and I enjoyed the fellowship with other combat women Veterans.

– The most beneficial activity was connecting with other Women Veterans. I went from feeling like an island to feeling like a community. it was relaxing and I learned a lot, it helped me see things differently.

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This retreat is now full

Are you a Combat woman Veteran looking to spend time with other female Veterans and discuss issues unique to female Veterans? If so, this Project New Hope Inc. retreat may be right for you. Workshops discussing such topics as Wellness through lifestyle changes, techniques for coping with trauma caused by sexual assault, moral injury or other traumatic events and resiliency.

(What Documents May I Need to Show That I Was in Combat?) A Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Medal of Honor, and Purple Heart are just a few examples. You can also offer proof that you got hazardous duty pay to prove your service in a war.

In addition to workshops, the retreat will include a variety of Holistic sessions such as – Acupuncture, Massage, Meditation, Reiki, Reflexology and timeout for self-discovery and personal growth.

Lodging, meals, and activities are all provided at no cost to participant, there is a $50 dollar registration fee that is refunded one week after completion of retreat. You must arrange your own transportation to and from Westfield, MA.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call (508) 762-9738

  • March 24-26, 2023
  • Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center
    53 Mill Street
    Westfield, MA 01085

Veterans Equine Retreat at the Farm

Veterans Equine Retreat at the Farm

How Did the Retreat Go?

Testimonials

“This experience has given me the opportunity to exercise my body while focusing my mind on caring for horses and spending time with fellow veterans-Thank you!”

Eric – Veteran

“The equestrian retreat was a great program. It helped me to connect with fellow veterans and enjoy nature which helps relieve stress. Thank you for providing the retreat and providing support to veterans.”

Katie -Veteran

“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this outreach program and to learn about horses. It was a great way to build confidence and learn new things, being on horses. The staff and other vets were great to interact with. Need more time with Billy and his hilarious stories. Very thankful and grateful for this. Thank you!”

Lucas – Veteran

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Join Project New Hope Inc. and spend each Friday afternoon in July at Cardinal Ridge Equestrian Center in Oxford, MA engaging in equine assisted learning activities. The team is skilled in collaborating with Veterans and the issues they face.

Participants will spend each Friday building relationships with horses. Learning to brush, lead, and ride horses. The goal to ride independently by the last night. Dinner will be provided either inside or out. Demonstration will be given of show jumping.

This retreat is for individual Veteran’s and/or couples.  No children.

Please send questions to Susan Wilder at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call 508-762-9738.

  • July 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th from 4-9PM
  • Cardinal Ridge Equestrian Center
    31 Ennis Rd
    Oxford, MA
  • Sponsor:
    The Botanist

Veterans Mindfulness Meditation Retreat for Military/Veterans and their significant other

Veterans Mindfulness Meditation Retreat for Military/Veterans and their significant other

How Did the Retreat Go?

Testimonials

This is my first retreat with Project New Hope Inc. Donna, Bill and staff made us feel right at home. We look forward to the next retreat. Great people, Great times.

I am always appreciative of the healing methods and retreats provided by Project New Hope Inc. I look forward to possibly returning to another one for women Veterans. Keep up the great work.

This experience was enriching as I learned new ways to cope with stress and my inability to concentrate at times.

This was my first retreat with Project New Hope Inc., and it was amazing. It allowed me to relax and enjoy myself again. I now know the full power and benefit of meditation. I also no longer feel alone in the world. The Project New Hope staff did a phenomenal job.

Thank you, Project New Hope for offering alternatives to assist with Mental Health. The timing was right, and the number of days were perfect.

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Registrations are now closed

Living at Peace with our Un-peacefulness.

Post Traumatic Stress, Military and combat trauma are more than just a set of psychological symptoms, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. The more fundamental injuries are moral and spiritual in nature. Mindfulness-Meditation provides a road map that can support the practitioner in navigating a road to living at peace with un-peacefulness.

In this retreat we will learn meditation practices that are rooted in our daily life activities. These meditation practices can support us in coming to terms with the emotional, spiritual, and moral wounds of our training and combat services. Hundreds of Veterans have found these retreats invaluable in discovering how to live at peace with our un-peacefulness.

In Vietnam Claude AnShin Thomas, native of Pennsylvania, survived as a helicopter crew chief being shot down five times. On the fifth occasion, in mid-1967, he was shot down in the Mekong Delta. The pilot and commander were killed, and the gunner and Thomas were wounded. Thomas received 25 Air Medals, the equivalent of 625 combat hours, and 625 combat missions. Thomas also received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.

1995 Claude AnShin Thomas became fully ordained as a Zen Buddhist in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition. He is the author of AT HELL’S GATE: A Soldier’s Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala 2004) and Bringing Meditation to Life (Oakwood Publishing, 2021). He has taken vows of mendicancy, meaning that he is reliant on the generosity of others for his sustenance. He has no permanent home but serves others through almost constant travel. So, the years and months of COVID have provided quite some challenges to this lifestyle.

A $50 fee/per person, $100/couple will be required at time of registration and will be refunded a week after completion of the retreat. If you cancel 2 weeks or less leading up to retreat, are a no-show or leave before the completion of Retreat your Deposit will not be refunded. Our retreats are 100% drug and alcohol free.

Lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost, but participants must arrange their own transportation to and from Grotonwood in Groton, Mass. Check-in 3:00 PM.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call 508-762-9738

Retreat registration closes two weeks prior to the start date.

Proof of Military Service (no exceptions). Military ID, DD-214, VA Health Care Card or Driver’s License with “Veteran” on license will be required before attending retreat.

Mail, fax or email Proof of Military Service.
Project New Hope Inc.
70 James Street, Suite 129A
Worcester, MA 01603
Fax: 508-304-9245
dmoore@projectnewhopema.org

  • May 20 – 22, 2022
  • Grotonwood Conference Center
    167 Prescott Street
    Groton, MA 01450
  • Presenter:
    Claude AnShin Thomas
    United States Army

Post Traumatic Stress Veterans Retreat

Post Traumatic Stress Veterans Retreat

How Did the Retreat Go?

I really enjoyed this retreat. I needed it more than I realized. I am so glad that I didn’t cancel and stuck to my commitment. It was my first, but it won’t be my last. Thank you.

Getting re-charged with Ladder Up is why I attend-mission accomplished. Well worth the time and effort. Staff and presenters were awesome as always. New friendships formed as well; this week was much appreciated as always.

Best thing I have done in a very long time. Bill & Donna are awesome people. Also, the rest of the staff were great. Would like to see a couple of things after dinner, from 6:30PM on it’s very slow. Some sort of group activity would be great. Again, totally awesome experience. Thank you.

This is my first time doing anything like this. And I really enjoyed it. Met some great people and had a wonderful time.

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This Retreat is now full

This retreat is for individual Veterans and/or Couples

Escape the darkness of PTS and other life struggles with a clear goal and a solid plan. This Ladder UPP retreat will help you figure out where you are going and how to use your traumas and trials as fuel to live.

You will learn tools for recovery, PTS, and depression, or just a difficult trial or transition in life. Join us on this weeklong retreat in beautiful Maine and take a step towards living free. “The Ladder UPP” is a data-driven program and has been proven effective and might just be the step up you need. Thankfully, he found his “reason to live” and the journey has continued. Wherever you are at, welcome to this retreat.

Then challenge yourself by taking part in exciting and relaxing activities on the 133 acres of property, walk down to the beach (just 3 blocks away) and enjoy the sunrise. Head out to the observation deck and watch the birds and other wildlife. Sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows and enjoy each other’s company. Wellness activities like hiking, yoga, reflexology, massage, reiki, IET, Mindfulness to name a few.

Learn more about Silouan and “The Ladder UPP” at www.silouan.com.

A $50 fee/per person, $100/couple will be required at time of registration and will be refunded a week after completion of the retreat. If you cancel 2 weeks or less leading up to retreat, are a no-show or leave before the completion of Retreat your Deposit will not be refunded. Our retreats are 100% drug and alcohol free.

Lodging, meals, and activities are provided at no cost, but participants must arrange their own transportation to and from Oceanwood Conference Center. Check-in 3:00 PM.

Please send questions to Sue at smwilder@projectnewhopema.org or call 508-762-9738

Retreat registration closes two weeks prior to the start date.

Proof of Military Service (no exceptions). Military ID, DD-214, VA Health Care Card or Driver’s License with “Veteran” on license will be required before attending retreat.

Mail, fax or email Proof of Military Service.
Project New Hope Inc.
70 James Street, Suite 129A
Worcester, MA 01603
Fax: 508-304-9245
dmoore@projectnewhopema.org


PTSD Veterans Retreat
in partnership with
United Way

  • June 19 – 24, 2022
  • Oceanwood Conference Center
    17 Royal Street
    Old Orchard Beach, ME 04063
  • Presenter:
    Silouan Green
    Creator of “The Ladder UPP” program

Gallery from last years retreat

Women Veterans Retreat

Women Veterans Retreat

How Did the Retreat Go?

This is an action filled weekend that encourages participants to partake as they see fit. Physical accommodations allow all levels of fitness to be engaged. Presenter delivered the material in an understandable friendly manner. The flow of activities and the time allotted was adequate. I recommend this retreat.

-DD

Caisse, retreat host was gracious, kind, fun and helpful.

Wonderful program. Will brag about retreat to others. Thank you for all your help and support.

-Paula

Richard delivered the material in an understandable friendly manner.

An Awesome Journey. Thank you.

-Gwendolyn

All the volunteers, accommodations and food were wonderful! Staff were so warm, loving and a perfect addition to the experience.

This retreat was my first and I truly learned a lot and enjoyed everything and everyone. Taniki was excellent and gave me insight on some things.

-Yvonne

I enjoyed this retreat; I am grateful for Project New Hope, and everyone involved in the worthwhile cause. I have received support with my stress issues through Reiki, Yoga, and Bill, you “rock man” you made everyone feel special and I thank you!! Blessings to all of you.

I totally enjoyed myself. The staff was wonderful, helpful, and sincere. They were relentless in ensuring all our needs were met while in attendance. I would recommend for other woman vets.

-Carolyn

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Attention ALL Women Veterans!

Please join us for a weekend of fellowship, camaraderie, and informational workshops by, for, and about women Veterans—and the issues that matter and impact them directly.

Taniki Richard is an 11-year USMC Retired Veteran. Taniki’s company book, ‘Principles for Change: 3 Keys to Overcome Trauma from His and Hers Perspectives’ supports Survivors of abuse in how to overpower trauma. Featured on the cover of Homeland Veterans Magazine, and her success story of healing and mental wellness headlined on Yahoo News; the 2020 Virginia Women Veterans Trailblazer of the Year Awardee, and recipient of several community awards, Taniki never takes a day for granted. Focused on uplifting others.

Taniki supported many of her brothers and sisters in arms as the command Suicide Prevention Facilitator and Sexual Assault Advocate. She was medically retired after suffering Post-Traumatic Stress from a combination of Military sexual assault and combat in Iraq. After her Military service, Taniki reinvented herself.

Due to the Extreme Popularity of this event, Registrations are accepted on a First Come, First Served Basis. This event fills extremely quickly! We are unable to reserve rooms / beds, even if you noted a roommate preference. It is suggested attendees submit their registrations together to ensure roommate choice.

Meals, Workshops and Wellness Clinic at:
Clear Path for Veterans New England
84 Antietam St
Devens, MA 01434

A $50 fee will be required at registration, and will be fully refunded at the completion of the retreat. Our retreats are 100% drug and alcohol free. All lodging, meals and activities are provided to Veterans free of charge. Transportation to or from retreat not included.

Retreat registration closes two weeks prior to the start date.

Proof of Military Service (no exceptions). Military ID, DD-214, VA Health Care Card or Driver’s License with “Veteran” on license will be required before attending retreat.

Mail, fax or email Proof of Military Service.
Project New Hope Inc.
70 James Street, Suite 129A
Worcester, MA 01603
Fax: 508-304-9245
dmoore@projectnewhopema.org

  • September 24 – 26, 2021
  • Hilton Garden Inn
    59 Andrews Parkway
    Devens, MA
  • Presenter:
    Taniki Richard
    USMC Retired Veteran