2026 Held & Healed Retreat
October 16–18, 2026 • Port Republic, Virginia
A nurturing weekend for Christian women rebuilding after abuse.
Gather. Connect. Rest. Reset. Regulate.
Early Bird Registration: $250 (by June 1)
Space limited to 40 • First come, first served
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You Deserve a Moment to Breathe
The weight of rebuilding after abuse can feel relentless. The constant vigilance, the emotional exhaustion, the loneliness of a journey others don't fully understand. You've been strong for so long — but strength without rest leads to burnout.
Maybe you've been longing for a safe space where you can simply be — without explaining, without performing, without holding it all together. A place where other women truly understand.
"Through meaningful activities and shared experiences, we'll honor and celebrate the strength within each of us."
Meet the Speakers
We have a powerful lineup of speakers this year.
You’ll be guided by compassionate women who bring wisdom, encouragement, and supportive insight to this healing weekend. We'll incorporate regulating exercises throughout the retreat.
We will focus on TRUTH THAT SETS US FREE. Many survivors have been lied to about the place of women in their homes and churches. Jesus loves women and He wants you to be safe and well.
Heather Elizabeth
Advocate & Resource Coach
Maryellen Bream
Advocate & Writer
Stacey March
Mental Health Coach
April shippy
Advocate & Writer
What the Retreat Includes
A weekend designed to help you heal — body, mind, and spirit, with another spot now available.
Another spot has opened up if you’re feeling called to join us.
We’ve added another spot, so if this retreat has been on your heart, now is the perfect time to say yes.
Four Main Sessions
Four sessions with compassionate and knowledgeable speakers. We will focus on reclaiming the truth of who we are in the eyes of Jesus.
Gentle Integration Time
Built-in time to pause, reflect, and absorb the healing experience at your own pace throughout the weekend.
Art & Nature Activities
On-site creative and nature-based activities. Saturday free time (1–6 PM) for hiking and enjoying fall foliage.
Community & Connection
Build lasting connections with like-minded women in a safe, nurturing environment.
Some Meals Included
Lunch on Saturday and Sunday included. Plus a Perfect Potluck signup for snacks, breakfasts, and evenings.
Chair Massage Bonus
The first 15 to register can sign up for a 15-minute chair massage (additional cost).
Maker's Market
Browse from a selection of handmade items. Choose gifts for yourself or others. Proceeds benefit Honor Project Movement Christmas Blessings.
Dear younger me Video Content
Upon registration, you will receive links to the Dear Younger Me video series. Heather hosted this online event with Sarah McDugal, Megan Owen, and Lauren Smallcomb.
Why Women Say Yes to This Retreat
This experience is designed for women who are ready to slow down, receive support, and reconnect with themselves in a peaceful and nourishing setting.
Space to Breathe
Step away from the demands of daily life and give yourself permission to rest, reflect, and simply be.
A Supportive Environment
Be held in a caring community where healing, meaningful conversation, and authentic connection can naturally unfold.
What You’ll Leave With
More than a weekend away, this retreat offers space for meaningful renewal so you can return home feeling grounded, supported, and refreshed.
Renewed Clarity
Time away from the noise of everyday life can help you reconnect with what matters most and move forward with greater peace.
Practical Tools
Take home supportive practices and insights you can continue using long after the retreat weekend ends.
A Full Heart
Leave feeling seen, encouraged, and connected through the experience of sharing space with other women on a healing path.
Meet Your Host
Heather Elizabeth
Heather is the facilitator of Held & Healed: Christian Women Rebuilding After Abuse, a resource coach, and the founder of Honor Project Movement Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women who are rebuilding after abuse.
With deep compassion and lived experience, she creates spaces where women can find safety, connection, and healing. The Held & Healed Retreat is her heart's work — a weekend where you can lay down the weight you've been carrying and simply be held in community.
Brought to you by
Honor Project Movement Inc.
What Women Are Saying
A glimpse of the encouragement, connection, and healing women can experience in a safe and supportive retreat space.
“I felt solidarity with other women. The authentic, honest, down-to-earth sharing has been so validating. The nervous system is such a key component."
— Survivor
“I realized that my nervous system was dysregulated for a long time, and that God can take our grief, anger and pain."
— Survivor
“The retreat felt safe, calm, peaceful, and restful. I felt myself take a deep breath as I settled in. I enjoyed the free time on Saturday afternoon, and spent time looking for nature glimmers."
— Survivor
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the retreat
What is included in the $250 registration?
Where exactly is the retreat held?
Where should I stay?
What about the chair massage?
Is registration refundable?
What is the optional Zeffy fee?
What should I bring to the retreat?
What is the retreat schedule?
Session 2 is Saturday from 10-12 with provided lunch following
Free time Saturday from 1-6
Session 3 is Saturday from 6-8 PM with optional PJ Party following
Session 4 is Sunday from 10-12 with provided lunch following
Retreat ends at 1 PM on Sunday
Your Healing Journey Awaits
October 16–18, 2026 • Port Republic, Virginia
$250 Early Bird (by June 1)
Only 40 spots available • Non-refundable, transferable
This event is a fundraiser for Honor Project Movement Inc.
Your support helps empower women rebuilding after abuse. Thank you.
