Racheal's Rest

Focuses on five-day restorative retreats designed to aid in the recovery of women and children who are survivors of sexual abuse and acts of violence Racheal's Rest, a 501c3 nonprofit division of Crossroads Center for Christian Ministries Inc. provides five-day restorative retreat programs, counseling and mobile family workshops designed to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of survivors who have been traumatized by sexual abuse or acts of violence. At our retreats, victims of abuse from all over the country can attend Racheal's Rest to help them find their inner healing. Racheal's Rest is engaged in programs that are non-sectarian and benefit a broad base of the community. We welcome "all walks of life".Racheal's Rest has retreat center in North Georgia. We have the potential of helping 6-8 ladies/children per week, 50 weeks per year. This is a minimum total of 300 people per year. Over a period of 10 years, it could change 3,000 lives and that many families. For the next generation, that is multiplied many times over.All Racheal's Rest retreats are lead by Dr. Karen McDonald with the aid of other qualified counselors and volunteers. Dr. Karen McDonald is the President of Racheal's Rest and holds a Ph.D in Christian Counseling. She is also Board Certified by the National Center For Crisis Management in Sexual Abuse and in Domestic Violence. As a survivor of severe abuse who personally had to do the work of recovery, she is uniquely qualified to offer techniques of healing to others. Dr. McDonald's style is low-key and compassionate. In a world that is quick to judge, she offers understanding and practical recovery techniques. Our volunteers vary with availability, but each one has passed a criminal background check and has extensive experience working with children and adults. Connection with other survivors of sexual abuse is a vital component of healing. Racheal's Rest retreats provide survivors with a safe, supportive environment in which to start or continue their journey to emotional health. Each day is structured to include two hours of group time in the morning and two hours in the evening. Time for individual counseling is reserved as needed. For the children's groups, each child attends with a non-offending female relative or other support person. There are two counselors available with the children's groups as well as two volunteers.EDUCATION: A huge part of Racheal's Rest is helping the participants understand how their past has influenced their current reality and how it will impact their future if they let it. One of our slogans is "We create the reality we THINK we deserve". Changing the message of shame is vital to healing. Two hours of group therapy each morning covers the major areas of damage for survivors. These include but are not limited to:1. The inability to trust appropriately and how that affects relationships2. Fears and phobias3. Spiritual confusion4. Shame, anger, and guilt5. Depression and anxiety6. Other Symptoms of Abuse7. How to Deal with the Family of Origin8. Parenting Struggles9. Sexual or Intimacy IssuesPLAY: One of the greatest needs some survivors have is the need to learn to play, to relax and to take time to care for themselves. Therefore, a huge component of our program is recreational therapy. While it may look like a vacation to some, it is actually work for a lot of participants. Some were never allowed to play, others feel guilty if they are not doing something productive, and still others are so overwhelmed with responsibility and obligations that they don't or can't take time for themselves.CONFIDENCE BUILDING: When people grow up without love and safety, they learn the world is not a safe place. In an effort to counteract the danger around them, they become overly cautious of getting hurt. This limits their willingness to try new things and to find their own voice. Many adults have never learned to ride a bike or swim. One of our tried and true methods from past retreats for adults is to walk over an unused but safe and sturdy railroad trestle over the Toccoa River in North Georgia. It restores a sense of balance to their whole person as they conquer fear and have a sense of accomplishment. Children have the opportunity to learn to swim, ride a bike or fish or do a variety of things they may not have had the opportunity or confidence to do. RELAXATION: The role of water at Racheal's Rest is a MUST! Water is meant to be soothing, but for many survivors it is frightening instead. Many never felt safe, even in the womb, our first water experience. Currently, retreats are held near the Sandy Bottom Canoe Launch area in Blue Ridge, Georgia because it is very shallow and accessible at the river's edge. Those who are terrified of water can sit on lawn chairs at the edge and not feel threatened by the rushing water. Others who are more adventuresome can tube down the river or climb on the rocks. Still others may want to fish. Survivors learn from and are encouraged by other survivors.