Safe Communities, a Lancaster, PA organization dedicated to ending child sexual abuse, will hold a retreat for adult survivors of child sexual abuse on Saturday, May 15 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at Branch Network, (Ridgeview Mennonite Church building), 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville, PA 17529.

Adults who were sexually abused as children or teens are invited for a day of reflection, connection and education. The day will include information about the impact of trauma, common symptoms, and tools for managing stressful emotions. We will examine the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible story of Tamar, daughter of King David who was raped by her brother. We will also look at how the expectation of forgiveness can be difficult for survivors, as well as discuss what healing looks like. All adult survivors of child sexual abuse are welcome, at whatever stage in their healing journey.

The retreat will be facilitated by Andrea Stoner Leaman, MSW, Program Manager, Safe Communities, and Linda Crockett, Director of Safe Communities. Registration is required. There is no cost for this retreat due to funding from the LMC Legacy Foundation. Breakfast and lunch are provided. COVID-19 precautions required by the state at that time will be taken. For more information and to register, visit www.safecommunitiespa.org, call 717-560-9989 or email Andrea at [email protected].

Additional information about future retreats, virtual Circle of Hope psycho-educational support groups, workshops and other programs offered by Safe Communities are also available at the website. Press Release Contact: Andrea E. Stoner Leaman, Program Manager, Safe Communities, 313 W. Liberty St., Suite 242, Lancaster PA 17603 [email protected] Office: 717-560-9989 www.safecommunitiespa.org Safe Communities (Lancaster, PA) operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the non-profit 501(c)3 Humanitarian Social Innovations, based in Bethlehem, PA.