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Picture a quiet place in nature. There is clean air to breathe and a beautiful setting for walking and just relaxing. It’s a safe place where people will be listened to and supported in the midst of a cancer experience.
Abbey Retreat Centre offers a variety of in-person retreats and online programs that are intended to provide rest and renewal, companionship, and an introduction to evidence-informed practices that help to soothe, strengthen and restore the body, mind, and soul in the midst of a cancer experience. Time in nature, gentle and restorative yoga, massage, creative practices, delicious and nutritious meals, music and group conversation are all elements that make our cancer support transformative.
Key support people/caregivers are also invited to attend our 4-day retreats. We believe that healing is enhanced for everyone when caregivers are also well-cared for.
“My experiences with Abbey Retreat Centre helped me find my way back to joy; in turn, I brought my energy and skills back to Abbey Retreat Centre. I have been a participant, a volunteer, a therapist, and now a Board Member with this impactful organization.”
Jennifer’s first profession, as a Massage Therapist, allows her to apply therapeutic skills with empathy and caring through the lens of whole-person care. In 2019, she completed advanced training as a Combined Decongestive Therapist (CDT) to treat lymphedema and provide cancer care. Jennifer’s second career, in education, allows her to work with others to support transformational growth and deep connection in a safe environment.
“There is deep trauma from cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery but an immense opportunity for growth and change. The priority can be to find meaning in how you fill your days. Now I seek out challenges and connections outside of her comfort zone. I find it a great adventure and an honour to be part of the ARC team.”
Shelley is a long time local resident of the Haliburton Highlands. She brings a joyful, welcoming and inspiring energy to the Board of Directors. Shelley’s passion is providing support to residents of the Haliburton Highlands. She facilitates our local initiative program, A Warm Hug From the Highlands.
Being a member of the Abbey Retreat Centre community is important to Maryssa for many reasons. “As someone who has lived through both parents having experienced cancer, I relate on a deep level. I am grateful that support is also extended to the key support people whose lives have also been affected by cancer. The team at Abbey Retreat Centre has created a safe space in a serene setting which allows people to heal and work through hardships.”
Maryssa brings a passion for Abbey Retreat Centre’s philanthropic vision and mission and is motivated by seeing and hearing the positive impact that Abbey Retreat Centre makes in people’s lives. She brings experience in bookkeeping, facility and business management, community involvement, and extensive engagement in the local music and dance community.
We have a Community of Practice made up of over 20 caring facilitators. Our facilitators bring a variety of skillsets and professional backgrounds such as: Yoga Instructors, Massage Therapists, Psychotherapists, Expressive Arts Practitioners, Forest Therapy Guides, Drumming Circle Hosts, Social Workers, Death Doulas, and many more!
We have a community of volunteers made up of over 100 people. Our generous volunteers are involved with all aspects of our organization: preparing and hosting retreats, tending the building and land, quilting, supporting strategic planning behind the scenes, fundraising, and so much more!
“Cancer tends to take up all the space, leading to me forgetting about myself. This week was a much-needed reminder that I do matter, our love matters, our joys matter. Thank you for bringing in the space such devoted and talented professionals and volunteers. Thank you for giving us a break, for reminding us that, despite the illness, we can still be, build, and experience.”
"One of the things that I appreciate so much about the Abbey Retreat Centre's facilitators is that they understand that the healing from a cancer diagnosis and treatment is different from, and takes much longer than, the active medical treatment. It is such an incredible gift to be supported by the kind, compassionate, generous, skillful facilitators, to be able to take a big leap along the healing path in a few short days."
"At the very first meeting, the facilitators spoke about "being there for me" and "creating a loving environment." They achieved all of these. I really felt like the facilitators were there for me and I was safely held in a loving environment. Everyone went that extra mile for me. I felt loved and could not have asked for more."
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All donations up to a total $25,000 will be matched by a generous donor!
