This year 
our Girls On The Move themed 11th Annual Girls Retreat for survivors of sexual assault was held on August 21, 2015. The retreat was a day full of activities in a safe social setting directed to building self-esteem, empowerment and positive coping skills, and preventing re-victimization. When the girls arrived they were very anxious and nervous about what the day might entail but after they had breakfast and began to mingle, it seemed like that all disappeared.
This year the girls took part in activities like self-defense, painting, and self-esteem building.The activities included a workshop where the girls were helped to identify their own inner critics and then work on ways to break free of negative thoughts and change them to positive ones.
This year The Safe Center brought in Paint Nite to assist in painting a piece of art called “Snug A Bug”. The girls had so much fun showing each other their artistic sides.
I received a call later that week from a caseworker of one of the girls who was living in a shelter, stating that she had requested art supplies from the staff so that she can spend some of her free time painting. She had a blast at the retreat and found it soothing and therapeutic. Another participant told us that she enjoys coming to the retreat every year because it’s the only place where she meets new girls that can become her friends.
The final workshop of the day was facilitated by staff from 1-800-FLOWERS. This was their 3rd year volunteering their time to The Safe Center as part of their “Summer Of A 1000 Smiles” program. The girls enjoyed creating floral crowns but moreover had a great time learning the names and types of flowers that they were working with.
At the end of the retreat we read a poem to reflect on what a great day we had. At the end of every retreat it’s hard for the girls to leave each other…they have formed such great bonds and are looking forward to creating long lasting friendships
Christine Shaver, Assistant Director of Advocacy Services