Frequently Asked Questions

Hiraeth Hope & Healing, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by family separation, origin loss, and hidden truths about their beginnings. Through peer support, educational resources, and immersive healing retreats, we foster connection, empowerment, and collective care for those navigating complex identity journeys.

We support all individuals impacted by family separation, origin loss, and the discovery of hidden truths about their beginnings. Our work centers on helping people navigate complex identity questions, grief, and the healing process.

Hiraeth is a Welsh word that expresses a deep longing for a home or connection that no longer exists or may never have existed. It perfectly represents the emotions many feel in their journey of identity and loss.

Our retreats are designed specifically for individuals impacted by family separation, origin loss, and the discovery of hidden truths about their identity. We provide a compassionate, understanding community where your unique experiences are deeply honored. Learn more about our retreat structure, what’s included, and pricing here → Financial Accessibility section

We offer:

• Peer-to-Peer support gatherings (Wednesdays at 6-8 PM ET, Saturdays at 3-5 PM ET).

• Zoom sessions with trauma-informed professionals (1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 8:30-10 PM ET).

• Healing retreats that provide a space for connection, reflection, and personal growth.

• Workshops covering various topics related to healing, self-discovery, and trauma.

• Genetic genealogy assistance through Hiraeth Hope & Healing DNA Helpers.

Our workshops cover topics such as:

• Understanding DNA discoveries and genealogy research

• Navigating grief and loss

• Processing trauma and healing

• Community-building and support

Our 5-day, 4-night retreats offer a safe space for connection and healing. Limited to 30 attendees, each retreat includes discussions, workshops, and activities designed to foster understanding, support, and personal transformation.

Our retreats are designed specifically for individuals impacted by family separation, origin loss, and hidden truths about their beginnings. We aim to provide a brave, supportive, and understanding environment where participants can heal alongside others who share similar experiences..

Yes, we offer scholarships to help those in financial need attend our retreats. Please check our website for application details.

As part of our commitment to accessibility and support, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on our retreats for active-duty and retired military personnel.

Absolutely. Our community includes men, women, and nonbinary individuals. We honor the truth that identity loss and family separation has an affect on people of all genders. You are not alone—and you are welcome here.

You will need three $1 bills for Eve's game and a cc/cash for raffles if you wish to participate. While meals are covered, feel free to bring your favorite snacks. We offer spa water, coffee, and tea, but you are welcome to bring your preferred beverage. Additionally, bring any comfort items, such as a worry stone, your favorite blanket or pillow, or a fidget tool/toy. Make yourself at home and ensure you have what you need for a pleasant experience.

Yes, we have many first-time attendees who don't stay in the house but want to their next retreat. We also have repeat attendees who prefer to not stay in the house.

We provide a variety of plentiful meals, including light breakfasts, substantial lunches, and hearty dinners. Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and spa water throughout the weekend. Vegetarian options are part of our offerings, and if you have specific dietary needs, please note that when registering. As part of our community spirit, everyone is invited to lend a hand with food preparation or cleanup.

Our focus is on healing, so we encourage you to prioritize comfort. There's no need for Sunday best – feel free to wear pajamas all weekend if that's your preference. "Hard pants" are totally acceptable, and Cindy even enjoys coordinating her slippers with yoga pants!

The weekend is crafted for a blend of relaxation, enjoyment, and personal growth. Take advantage of breaks to indulge in solitary activities like meditation or writing, or choose to swim in the pool, unwind in the hot tub, engage in a board game, or connect with new friends. It's a time dedicated to both rejuvenation and fostering connections in a diverse range of activities.

If you're dealing with intense emotions that seem overwhelming, rest assured that you'll be in a safe environment with licensed clinicians from various states. The anxiety about expressing these emotions is often overwhelming, but the relief of effectively processing feelings with the right support is significant. If you need assistance, our team is available to help you stay calm and grounded, ensuring you have the necessary support during challenging moments. If you find yourself contending with intense emotions beyond your control, we are here to assist.

Our retreats welcome individuals impacted by family separation, origin loss, or the discovery of hidden truths about their beginnings. Attendees come from a wide range of backgrounds, life stages, and lived experiences—but all share a deep need for truth, connection, and healing.

At Hiraeth Hope & Healing, Inc., our commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We proudly stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and people of all racial, cultural, and spiritual backgrounds. Our retreats are sanctuaries where everyone—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or economic background—is welcomed, seen, and accepted in their full authenticity.

The selected retreat homes feature rooms with individual beds, including king, queen, full, and twin sizes, as well as bunk beds. Some rooms have private bathrooms, while others have shared facilities. Accommodations differ from one home to another, so joining our Facebook group for detailed information on each retreat home is recommended. Towels and linens are provided, but toiletries are not included.

The effectiveness lies in the support and encouragement provided, enabling individuals to engage in activities they might not pursue alone or those that thrive on a group dynamic. Embracing the experience with openness and fully utilizing the focused time can result in a lasting impact. The multitude of benefits often compels individuals to participate in additional retreats.

Following the retreat, participants are invited and encouraged to join our Facebook group chat and participate in weekly peer-to-peer support Zooms on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons. This facilitates consistent focus on recovery tasks, with the group serving as a source of both support and accountability. Hiraeth Hope and Healing cultivates friendships among both new and returning attendees, ensuring that peer-to-peer support is consistently accessible.

The retreat details will be sent out via email both 8 weeks and 4 weeks prior to Retreat. All the essential information you need will be included in these emails. Additionally, we recommend consulting the FAQ page (the one you are currently reading) for any further assistance.

The schedule will be published on the retreat's webpage, offering a preliminary itinerary for your reference. We update it regularly, incorporating facilitators as they are confirmed. While unexpected changes may occur, we strive to maintain the planned schedule. Although it's not mandatory to attend every session, active participation is strongly encouraged. The retreat is designed with your personal growth and healing in mind, and your autonomy is prioritized. Feel free to tailor your experience to suit your needs. If you decide not to participate, Erin, Cindy, or Annie will check in on you. Please contact us for any schedule-related questions or concerns; we're here to assist you!

We value the importance of personal moments and being present, so all our retreats are designed to balance group activities and individual time. A well-rounded schedule includes small breaks throughout the day and evening, allowing you to tailor this time to best suit your needs and preferences.

We recognize the potential stress involved in airport transportation, but it's a service we are unable to provide. We recommend utilizing our private Facebook group to create a post where attendees can coordinate travel arrangements, such as sharing flights or arranging to share a rental car or ride share to reduce costs.

It's natural to be nervous. Will my roommate snore? I wake up early, will I wake my roommate? You can always see who your roommate will be by following along on the Facebook post dedicated to accommodations, but we will also connect you by email about 4 weeks out!

It's important to note that most of our retreat locations feature multiple levels. While we make sincere efforts to identify retreat destinations that comply with ADA accessibility standards, we cannot provide a guarantee. Feel free to contact us with any specific questions or concerns you may have.

We wish, but sadly, no! We welcome your arrival at the retreat home anytime after 4pm local time. However, please note that check-out is required by Monday morning at 11am local time. If you wish to extend your trip, you have the option to secure additional accommodations outside the retreat home, as many of our destinations are in beautiful settings.

Considering the nature of the facilitated healing process, it is imperative to note that no children are allowed to attend any portions of the retreats.

Hiraeth Hope & Healing, Inc. acknowledges and values the autonomy of its adult participants. However, in creating a therapeutic environment aligned with best practices, the use of any substances during retreat sessions is not only counterproductive to the healing process but also poses a liability for our clinicians. Licensed clinicians, bound by legal obligations, are required to dismiss clients from therapy if they appear under the influence. Even when facilitating outside their state of licensure, our clinicians uphold a moral and ethical commitment to professional methodology. Therefore, consumption of legalized substances is permissible only after all sessions are complete, and facilitators retain the right to remove attendees from a session if they are found to be under the influence.

The Retreat officially concludes at noon on Sunday, marking the beginning of our "Relax, Refresh, Renew" segment. Typically, we provide opportunities for appointments for in-home massages, reiki, or sessions with a medium.

We don't have a discounted registration option. We acknowledge that work commitments might not allow for a full retreat, and we honor whatever choice feels most supportive for you. Our retreat itinerary includes one session on Thursday evening, three sessions each on Friday and Saturday, and one session on Sunday. Togetherness Heals, and attending the retreat in its entirety provides the most significant opportunity to be open and vulnerable.

Each residence enforces specific rules and guidelines concerning the allowable number of cars in the driveway. Certain areas may prohibit street parking altogether. In certain situations, parking off-site and engaging in carpooling becomes a necessity. We recommend utilizing ride-sharing or carpool options whenever feasible.

Hiraeth Hope & Healing follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines regarding the presence of service animals during our gatherings. In accordance with federal law, a service animal is defined as a dog or, in certain cases, a miniature horse that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to the handler’s disability.

Service animals must remain on a leash, harness, or tether and under the control of their handler at all times while on the premises.

Please note: animals that provide comfort or emotional support, service animals in training, and personal pets do not meet the ADA definition of a service animal and are not permitted. In accordance with ADA guidelines, only dogs and, in rare cases, miniature horses are recognized as service animals; cats and other animals are not permitted.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful and accessible environment for all attendees.

Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Our organization provides peer support and guidance through this journey. We also offer genetic genealogy assistance through our Hiraeth Hope & Healing DNA Helpers program.

Our volunteer Genetic Genealogists can help you navigate DNA testing, analyze matches, and guide you in reaching out to potential biological relatives.

ou can support us by:

• Donating to help fund our retreats and support services.

• Volunteering with our DNA Helpers program or community outreach efforts.

• Spreading awareness by sharing our mission and resources.

Yes, Hiraeth Hope & Healing, Inc. is a registered nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible. Check with your employer about donation matching to maximize your impact.

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