EAST COAST MOTHER LOSS RETREAT
with HOPE EDELMAN
Held at the Guest House Retreat Center in Chester, CT
June 7 - 10, 2024
NOTE: These retreats are for those who were children, teenagers, and young adults, up to age 25 at time of loss…though you can be any age now!
We will have a small intimate group of 24 women who range in age from 0-25 when they experienced the loss of their mothers.
Our alumnae shared that they loved the location of the Connecticut retreat for its proximity to Boston and NYC and for its quiet, peaceful surroundings.
They loved meeting and bonding with other women who were the same age that they were at the time of loss. They loved having connections that continue long beyond the retreat. Many call it a sisterhood.
They did not like having to wait for spots to open at a particular time of year for an Early Loss or Young Adult Loss retreat.
So starting this year, you no longer have to wait for a retreat that is specific to your age at the time of loss. All women who were between the ages of 0-25 when they lost their mothers are now welcome to register for our East Coast retreats, which will be held at the beautiful Guest House Retreat Center in Chester, Connecticut.
We will have large-group sessions and share all meals as a full group. Throughout the weekend, you’ll break into a smaller group based on your age at time of loss (under 12, under 18, 18-25), depending on the individual needs of the women at this retreat.
You’ll work with Hope and other grief and loss therapists and coaches, all of whom have extensive training and experience in the bereavement field.
Our flagship three-night, four day gatherings of motherless daughters acknowledge the complexity of mother loss.
Spend the weekend sharing stories and doing customized activities with an inter-generational, international group of motherless daughters* who faced (and face) many of the same challenges you did — some of whom will have stories very similar to yours.
NOTE: All retreat participants must be 18 years or older now. At least 2 years must have passed since the death of your mother to qualify you for a retreat.
*Motherless Daughters welcomes all female-identified and daughter-identified participants.
Registration is for Single or Double rooms. For double rooms, we match you based on age of loss, cause of loss and current age now. We have a 99.9% success rate of making great roomie connections!
Meet Your June Co-Facilitator
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Victoria Mercado
CO-FACILITATOR
Victoria Mercado is a licensed trauma therapist and yoga instructor based in Dallas. She works with Hope Edelman as a Clinical Supervisor to help create trauma-informed support circles and trainings for both facilitators and the women they serve.
At age 15, Victoria and her mother were involved in a car accident that left her mother a quadriplegic. Then at age 23 she lost her mother to complications due to pneumonia. Finding solace and encouragement within the Motherless Daughter community through a nearby support group inspired Victoria to pursue a career as a licensed professional counselor.
Victoria is dedicated to aiding women and children who have faced the loss of their mothers, endeavoring to offer compassionate and supportive help. She lives in McKinney, TX with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs.
Head to Victoria's website for more information: bloomcounselingandwellnesstx.com
WHAT CAN I HOPE TO GAIN FROM THIS RETREAT?
Most motherless daughters have never had the experience of sitting in a room of women who understand their innermost challenges, triumphs, and fears. You’ll find that here.
You will have the opportunity to meet other women who were the same age you were when you lost your mother. Whether you were a young child, a teenager, or a young adult, you will have the opportunity to meet with other women who lost their mother when they were of a similar age.
We know that mother loss is hard at every age.
At a Motherless Daughters Retreat, you'll be listened to and supported. Your story will be received with curiosity and compassion.
You’ll learn new ways to stay connected to your mom after her death, and to continue to honor her life and the relationship you shared moving forward.
VIEW THE SCHEDULE
Click HERE for the June schedule.
The schedule is subject to change.
YOUR RETREAT FEE:
$1795 (double) / $2195 (single upgrade)
NOTE: Housing and food ARE INCLUDED.
Transportation to and from Guest House IS NOT included.
We have a 99.9% success rate of creating wonderful roommate connections! The match is based on age of loss, cause of loss, and current age.
To upgrade to a single room, make sure you click the SINGLE ROOM UPGRADE option at checkout.
A payment plan with three installments is available. The total fee must be paid in full 30 days prior to the retreat.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Single or double room accommodations for 3 nights (your choice of a roommate, or we will match you based on age at time of loss and age now);
Nine catered, healthy meals from the first evening until brunch on the final day ;
Coffee and Tea available 24 hours a day;
Customized activities and tips based on your specific needs;
Drop-in hours with Hope and the other facilitators each afternoon;
Movement class;
All workshop materials;
A special gift bag, including a signed copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of Motherless Daughters (for you or a friend);
Access to a private Facebook group for pre- and post-retreat support;
A follow-up group conference call;
Priority access to future retreats and other offers;
A lifetime 10% discount on all future Motherless Daughters ONLINE offerings (support groups, webinars, online courses)
PLEASE NOTE: At least two years need to have elapsed since the time of your mother’s death to best meet your bereavement needs. Participants must have been ages 0 - 30 when they experienced the death of their mother. .
COVID-19 POLICY (AS OF 03/23):
We strongly suggest vaccination and a booster. We will not be testing or requiring tests of any participant. Each person assumes their own risk if they choose to attend this event, and everyone is encouraged to do what feels right in terms of masking. We are not able to give refunds outside of our normal cancellation policy (see below) for any sickness, so travel insurance is highly recommended.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Up to 60 days prior to start date: refundable minus the $200 registration fee.
Up to 30 days prior the start date: 50% refundable minus the $200 registration fee.
From 30 days to the start date: non-refundable.
We suggest you purchase travel insurance when you book airline tickets to avoid flight cancellation fees.
Organizers reserve the right to cancel the retreat up to 21 days before start date if minimum enrollment has not been achieved. You would then receive a 100% refund of the registration fee.
WHERE YOU’LL BE CONNECTING, EATING & RESTING:
The Guest House in Chester, CT
We love partnering with this beautifully renovated country inn that offers a meeting space, housing, and dining all on site! We will have the site all to ourselves.
Guest House is situated on 12 wooded acres in the scenic Connecticut River Valley.
“At Hope’s retreat, I was able to find what I had been missing since my mother’s death- a sisterhood of women who understand, a sense of not being alone, and a safe place to feel my grief. That sense of community was more effective and comforting than any therapy I’ve had!”
“It’s been almost twenty five years since my mom passed away, yet I feel her presence with me and within me more strongly now than ever. I am so grateful for the gift of this retreat and new insight.
”
“I didn’t really understand the impact this weekend would have on me until we were about a day and a half into it. I was nervous and unsure before walking through the front door even though I wanted to be on this retreat. I can’t really explain it, but for me, it was a magical experience. I guess a more grown up word would be transformative.”
“My experience at the retreat was truly transformative. Hope and Claire put together a weekend of deep reflection and kindness that enabled me to think through many of the feelings I’ve had for years. The opportunity to talk about mother loss with a group of women that really understand was amazing and the support that I continue to feel many weeks after the retreat is wonderful. I just wish I had done this sooner!
”
Further retreat questions? Please send an email to melissa@HopeEdelman.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Motherless Daughter Retreat is a powerful and often life-changing event. We've compiled this detailed FAQ to answer common questions participants have before and after registration. If your question is not covered here, please contact us at jessica@hopeedelman.com.