Saturday’s Breakout Sessions
Listening to the Body: Gentle Somatic Practices for Healing from Abuse, with Dr. Heather Evans
This workshop offers a gentle introduction to trauma-informed somatic practices that can help women reconnect with safety, grounding, and the presence of God within their bodies. Participants will learn simple, practical tools for nervous system regulation, listening and connecting with body cues, and practicing self-compassion while honoring the unique realities of abuse recovery.
Held, Seen, Collected: Exploring God’s Heart Through Our Tears, with Molly Gilley
Trauma is often difficult to express with words. In this experiential, art-based session, participants will explore Psalm 56:8 and the comforting truth that God sees, remembers, and holds every tear. Through the creative exercise “Tears in a Bottle,” participants will use color, imagery, and reflection to express emotions, explore their healing journey, and consider God’s compassionate presence in their pain. This session offers a gentle, faith-integrated approach to emotional processing, self-compassion, and reconnecting with a sense of worth, dignity, and hope.
Mourning Glories, with Georgia Shaffer
Georgia will share stories and metaphors from the garden that offer gentle insight into the process of healing. As we listen and reflect, participants will have the opportunity to create personalized bookmarks decorated with dried flowers. These preserved flowers can serve as a meaningful symbol: something beautiful that has been cut off and changed, yet has not simply withered away. Instead, its beauty has been preserved and expressed in a different and lasting form.
Share Your Story: Connection Group, with Carolyn Reclusado
While trauma isolates us, sharing stories is a way to connect and reduce the isolation we feel. This breakout group allows 8 women to share a portion of their story with one another. As a participant, you will focus on expressing how your experience has impacted you and the ways you are seeing God at work within your life. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear the stories of others in the group and offer encouragement.
**Due to the limited time we have for each person to share, 8 women will be welcome to join this breakout group. This group will be offered during both breakout sessions.
Legal Matters, with Honorable Judge Chris Menges
Legal questions can add another layer of uncertainty to an already difficult season. This session will offer a clear, practical introduction to common legal matters survivors may face, including protection from abuse orders, custody, support, divorce, and property distribution. Participants will gain a better understanding of how these processes work in Pennsylvania, where to find trustworthy legal and community resources, and when professional legal guidance may be needed. There will also be an opportunity to ask general questions.
Understanding Your Finances, with Patty Hegberg, Trivent Financial Services
This workshop will offer a practical introduction to key financial considerations, with time for participants to ask questions and gain greater confidence in understanding and managing their finances.
Sacred Spaces (available all day)
Inspired by the story of Joseph, this sacred space invites survivors to reflect on what it means to be fully known, fully loved, and fully free. Through meaningful symbols, Scripture, and moments of reflection, the space traces a journey from brokenness toward hope, healing, and freedom in Christ. It offers a place to pause, encounter God’s presence, and remember that what has happened does not define who we are or the future God has for us.
Regulation Station (available all day):
The Regulation Station will be available as a quiet space throughout the Voices 2026 Retreat. It offers a calm environment equipped with simple tools to support nervous system regulation. Using the analogy of a train station, the Regulation Station is designed to be an area where attendees can pause, prepare, and reset before continuing their journey through the Voices itinerary.