“Courage to Heal” Female Veterans Retreat

The three-day retreat will focus on management techniques for female Veterans affected by post-traumatic stress (PTS) and/or military sexual trauma (MST).

Vietnam Veteran Nurse Sarah Blum, PTS/MST advocate, experienced peer support leader, and author of “Warrior Nurse” and “Women Under Fire,” will lead workshops and talking circles to assist veterans in finding healing and coping skills as they continue their journey towards better mental health and joyful living. These activities will all take place within a safe, supportive space with fellow female Veterans in the beautiful, peaceful setting of The Highground. Interspersed between the healing workshops and talking circles will be art projects and outdoor activities. 

This is the seventh year that The Highground has offered healing retreats for female Veterans. The retreats provide a non-intimidating middle-ground in PTS / MST management as they are not presented in a professional counseling setting; they offer experienced peer support, vetted programs, and they encourage support within the veteran group which has resulted in many strong friendships. Comments from female veterans who attended last year’s retreat include, “I’m so glad I came! It was good to meet other women with the same issues” and “The feeling of friendship and camaraderie was amazing!” 

For more information and to register, email Theresa at museum@thehighground.org or call 715-743-4224.

Spots will fill fast, so Veterans are encouraged to register early. A registration fee is required which will be refunded to the Veterans when they arrive. Once Veterans are at the retreat, The Highground will take care of food, lodging, supplies, etc. Please note: Transportation to and from the retreat weekend is the responsibility of the Veteran.

The retreat is offered free of charge to female veterans thanks to a Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) grant and our generous sponsors: Global Finishing Solutions, Pamela Graham, American Legion Aux 291, Harold Schmitt, Melanie Wrensch, The Vets Run, Mark & Beth Rodwell, The Rusty Nail, Kerry McAllen, and William Bishop. 

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville, WI 54456.