For many survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic leaders, the wounds of abuse reach far beyond the original harm. Abuse in a religious setting can profoundly impact a person's relationship with God, the Church, prayer, trust, and spiritual identity.

At Awake, we accompany adult survivors wherever they find themselves on that journey. Some no longer feel safe or welcome in institutional church settings. Others remain connected to Catholic communities but continue to wrestle with questions of trust, belonging, and faith. To address some of these questions, since the summer of 2023, Awake has offered in-person retreats in Wisconsin for survivors from across the United States - at no cost to participants.

As Awake has grown, so has the demand for these retreats. In 2026, for the first time, we will offer two retreat weekends, one in July and one in August, nearly doubling the number of survivors we can serve. We are also committed to keeping these retreats accessible by providing travel stipends to participants who need assistance attending. The retreats are only one part of our mission of providing community and support for survivors. We are committed to accompanying survivors all throughout the year and are asking for your support to host the retreats and provide care for survivors year-round.

Here are some of the ways your gift makes a difference:

One retreat participant shared:

"The abuse I experienced happened when I was on a retreat as a teenager. I never imagined that I would feel safe at a retreat ever again, but the consideration and care that Awake gives to survivors made it possible for me to participate in this experience, and it very much felt healing."

Another reflected:

"I am so grateful for Awake, retreatants and the events. I was very nervous but everyone was so compassionate and empathetic that I left there feeling much better about myself and my future healing. The compassion, strength and love displayed by the participants filled a void that had been missing from my life.”

As mentioned, retreats are only one part of our survivor-centered mission. Throughout the year, Awake provides ongoing support through Survivor Circles, our online community forum called The Well, and educational and spiritual formation programs such as Courageous Conversations and Rooted and Rising. Together, these programs ensure that survivors have access to community, support, and formation long after a retreat weekend has ended. To do this vital work, we count on support from people like you.

Please consider a gift today. Your partnership makes our work possible. Here are some examples of the impact your gift can have:

$12,000 covers the entire room and board for both retreats
$6,000 covers room and board for one retreat
$2,500 provides all travel stipends offered to retreat participants
$1,200 sponsors one survivor's retreat experience
$1,000 supports speaker stipends for Courageous Conversations
$500 supports hosting The Well platform for one year
$100 provides one on one accompaniment for a survivor post-retreat

Our ability to address the wounds in the Body of Christ comes directly from supporters like you. Thank you in advance for standing with survivors and helping Awake continue our sacred mission.

Note: All donations received in excess of our goal will support Awake's mission of awakening, transformation, and healing. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Awake Ltd. is a 501(c)(3) public charity as determined by the IRS and is a registered charity in the State of Wisconsin.

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