FAQ
U Grow Girl FAQ
Is U Grow Girl a registered Charity or Non Profit?
U Grow Girl was previously incorporated as a Community Contribution Company (CCC), where 60% of our profits were dedicated to funding the Time To Heal retreat. In July 2024, we transitioned to not-for-profit society status and are now actively working to obtain our registered charity number."
Our mission U Grow Girl empowers adult survivors of child sexual abuse by fostering resilience through clinically supervised, trauma-informed retreats. As the only retreat in Canada specifically designed for adult survivors, we focus on healing shame through connection, education, and support
Time To heal FAQ
Im a Survivor, Is Time To Heal right for me?
Time To Heal is a 5 day/4 night immersive experience that includes education, somatic release, holistic healing practices, equine assisted therapy, and the connection to a powerful survivor community. We will provide a safe space for you to learn about the effects of childhood trauma, and you will begin to understand the brain science behind the behaviours and patterns of a survivor. You will be introduced to different healing modalities, so you can find what works for you and begin to build your own path to healing. Though the retreat will be clinically driven and a professional psychologist will be a part of the Time To Heal team, there will be no counselling or therapy sessions, nor will participants be expected to share their story. All activities and classes will be optional but highly encouraged and can be modified for anyone with physical restrictions.
Time To Heal is not a Crisis intervention or treatment program. Applications will be screened to see if the Time To Heal is a good fit for you at this time.
The retreat is specifically designed to serve adults who despite being survivors are functioning in most areas of their lives. You may be raising a family, working or contributing to community, but are still deeply affected by the trauma you experienced as a child. You must be able to abstain from drugs and alcohol without any significant withdrawals. If you are struggling with significant untreated mental health symptoms, active drug and alcohol addiction, or homelessness we recommend you visit our resource page to seek other therapeutic services at this time.
What is considered Childhood sexual abuse?
Here at U Grow Girl, we consider all forms of sexual abuse including voyeurism, exposure to pornography, and unhealthy sexual exposure to be considered Childhood Sexual Abuse, we do not limit the definition to Contact Abuse only.
Who qualifies to attend the retreat?
To attend, you must be an adult cisgender woman or non-binary individual assigned female at birth who experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18. Additionally, participants should not be in crisis or facing significant untreated mental health challenges that could make it difficult to live in a shared environment with other survivors.
How much does the retreat cost?
We believe that healing should be within reach for every survivor. That’s why we offer two options for attending the Time To Heal Retreat.
We offer fully funded retreats where all lodging, meals, and classes are covered. All we ask is that you cover your travel to and from our retreat location.
For those who can contribute, we offer a paid retreat option for $4800. By choosing this path, you help us create space on our waitlist for others who may not have the financial means to attend. Your choice becomes an act of compassion and solidarity with others on their healing journey.
Where is the retreat located?
The retreat is located in a beautiful private location just outside of Armstrong, BC Canada.
(closest airport Kelowna international airport.)
Can I attend Time To Heal with a family member or friend?
If a family member or friend is also a survivor, we may accept you both at the same retreat on a case-by-case basis. Our psychologist supervisor will evaluate each situation to determine if attending together will provide the best environment for healing. This approach ensures that each participant has the best possible opportunity to focus on their personal journey.
Is the retreat Confidential?
Yes. U Grow Girl will never share your personal information with anyone outside of the organization, its directors, officers, agents, employees, or volunteers without your prior consent. All information gathered from the participant will be kept strictly confidential.
How does the retreat help?
The goal of the retreat is assist survivors in finding their own personal path to healing. With education and the understanding of the science behind the trauma of childhood sexual abuse; we empower Survivors to let go of the guilt and shame often associated with not only the abuse, but the behaviours and patterns that came after. Participants will then be introduced to different healing modalities such as ancient holistic healing practices, somatic release techniques and equine assisted therapy to further their opportunities to find avenues of healing.
A 8 Week Online Support Community: will be offered to participants after leaving Time To Heal so they can meet with their group and Team Leader from the retreat to discuss and support each other while integrating everything they learned at the retreat into their daily lives.
Time To Heal is modelled after The Haven Retreat for female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse located in both Utah, and Georgia. An independent study of 2018 Haven retreat participants found that on average they experienced a 23% reduction in PTSD symptoms, felt more confident in coping with their trauma and reported a 21% improvement in their overall well-being during the year following their attendance.
What do I need to bring to the retreat? An open mind and an open heart. You will be given a more detailed list of supplies and clothing you should bring with you just prior to attending Time To Heal.
Can I nominate someone else to attend the retreat? No. Only a survivors knows when they are ready and when it is time to start the healing process. They may be fearful or have anxiety or trepidation about taking the first step. It is imperative it be the personal decision and desire of a Survivor to attend Time To Heal, and all applications will remain confidential.
Will there be therapy at the retreat? Though Time To Heal will be clinically driven with professional psychologists who specialize in the field, there will be no traditional talk therapy during the retreat. Instead the focus of the retreat will be intruding you to different healing modalities and educating you on the tools and services you can use to manage the impact of childhood trauma.
Will I be sharing a room?
Yes, you will be sharing a room with one other survivor. We have gone to every effort to secure a location with lots of room for privacy and multiple bathrooms near the sleeping quarters.
Will meals be provided at the retreat?
Yes. The menu is served in a buffet-style so you are empowered to choose what you would like to eat. Although not guaranteed, we do our best to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.
Will there be cell phone service or wifi?
Though the location does allow for Cell Phone service and wifi, we will ask that you completely disconnect from those services for the duration of your stay. We will have time everyday during the retreat for you to connect with your loved ones back home, but we request that your sole focus at the retreat be your own healing journey so disconnecting from wifi and the outside world is a important part of the process.
Can I bring my emotional support animal?
No. At this time the location we have secured does not allow emotional support animals. Please contact us for further information if you need to be accompanied by a service animal.
Are you associated with any religion?
No. U Grow Girl hosts free, secular, educational retreats. It is not a religious organization.
Will I be expected to share my story?
No. You will never be asked to share your story, however some participants might choose to with their fellow survivors, the choice will be yours.
When is the retreat? We are currently fundraising with the goal to host our next retreat in the spring of 2025.
My child has been abused, do you have support for minors?
No. Time To Heal is specifically for adult females who suffered sexual abuse as children. Please contact little warriors for support. They are an amazing organization that hosts a recovery centre for children who have survived sexual abuse. www.littlewarriors.ca
Do you offer a retreat for all gender expressions?
At U Grow Girl, we acknowledge that child sexual abuse affects people of all gender identities. While our current retreat programs are specifically designed for adult cisgender women and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth, our leadership team is actively and thoughtfully working towards expanding our services. We are committed to creating retreats that are not only inclusive but are also specifically designed to meet the needs of other gender identities, with leadership and support from individuals within those communities.
We are carefully planning these expansions to be sustainable and responsible, ensuring that we create a safe and affirming space for all survivors.
If you're interested in staying informed about these future retreats, please click the link below to share your contact information. When the time comes, we’ll reach out to you with more details.