We do not grieve as those who have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Upcoming Retreats
2025 Retreats will be posted in November. Please check back then.
- Fri, Sep 27Shunem HouseSep 27, 2024, 6:00 PM – Sep 29, 2024, 11:00 AMShunem House, 313 Hall Ct, Noblesville, IN 46060, USA
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What is a GriefHope Retreat?A GriefHope Retreat is an intentionally designed weekend for bereaved parents. The purpose is to provided biblical hope after the devastating loss of a child.
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Who attends a GriefHope Retreat?GriefHope Retreats are for bereaved parents. There are retreats for mothers only and retreats for married couples. Parents attend who have experienced the loss of child(ren) of all ages and by various means. Parents attend within a few months to several years after the loss. We recommend that a mom or husband/wife attend when they are ready.
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What happens at a GriefHope Retreat?During a GriefHope Retreat bereaved parents can find respite and comfort by spending time with other bereaved parents. The weekend is intentionally designed to provide opportunities for fellowship, reflection, and growth. The schedule contains six sessions, meal times, rest/recreation, and worship. The sessions are facilitated discussions about specific topics related to the grief journey and finding hope in Christ.
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Where are GriefHope Retreats located?GriefHope Retreats are in-person, local retreats held in central Indiana in Noblesville, IN (30 mi NE of Indianapolis) at Shunem House, an 11,000 square foot home dedicated to provide respite to missionary families and other Christian organizations. A private bedroom and private bathroom is provided for each mom or couple.
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What is the cost of a GriefHope Retreat?The cost of a GriefHope Retreat includes two nights lodging, all meals, snacks, and retreat materials. We strive to keep costs as low as possible and donations to GriefHope Inc. offset some of the cost of each retreat. We do offer scholarships on an as-needed basis. Contact Us if you would like to discuss a possible scholarship. GriefHope Moms Retreats ~ $325 per person GriefHope Couples Retreats ~ $375 per couple
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Who leads a GriefHope Retreat?Keith and Shawnda Freer lead the GriefHope Couples Retreats and the online Couples Retreat Groups. Shawnda leads the GriefHope Moms Retreats as well as the online Moms Retreat and Community Groups. The Freers now come alongside other bereaved parents to offer biblical hope and support on the difficult grief journey following child loss.
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What have other parents said who have attended a GriefHope Retreat?Recommendations from former GriefHope Retreat participants: "Don't be afraid to come and share, listen and encourage one another. It is so good to be with others who understand your deep sorrow. The retreat stresses Jesus is also a man of sorrow and understands what we are feeling." "Being with other grieving mothers allowed me to grieve in a safe place with women who knew my pain." "I was scared to share my most intimate feelings of the loss of my son. However, every mom in attendance had felt the same. I am so pleased to have attended and been open to what God had in store for me." This was the first retreat my husband and I attended together for bereaved parents. We grieve as individuals, but also as parents - a married couple. This helped us draw closer together and to what God has called us to in our marriage while realizing this deep pain we both carry since our son's death." "Keith and Shawnda really do provide an opportunity for us to share our heart. They have such wisdom and come alongside to encourage us in our grief journey, pointing us back to God's Word. Truly biblically based sweet time. Incredible weekend. Highly recommend."
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Are follow-up services provided after a GriefHope Retreat?Yes! Following a retreat, participants have the opportunity to join their Retreat Group in an online gathering that meets monthly for 3 months following a retreat. The continued conversation and fellowship with other bereaved parents is valuable and meaningful as the Lord continues to provide comfort through one another.
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How can I find out more information?More information about each retreat can be found by clicking a Learn More button on the Retreats page. For more information about each GriefHope Group, see the Groups page If you need further assistance, please Contact Us Follow us on Facebook
DISCLAIMER: The content of a GriefHope Retreat or GriefHope Group provides general information and is not professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice specific to any individual situation. Attendance at a GriefHope Retreat or a GriefHope Group is not an initiation of a therapeutic client relationship nor is it a substitute for professional mental health counseling. Furthermore, although Shawnda Freer is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Indiana, she will be operating within the Organization (GriefHope Inc) as President, facilitator, leader, and presenter, and, therefore, will not be engaging in a therapeutic relationship with any individual or group of individuals while serving at the Organization (GriefHope Inc).