Come to Saratoga Springs and Support Gay People

FINDING COMMUNITY

a retreat for LGBT refugees, asylum seekers and asylees

Gathering together creating community is profoundly healing. Many of us face isolation, trauma and loneliness as a result of our journeys. As LGBT people coming together- we share our stories and uplift one another. Through sharing our stories we recognize our own and each other's courage and resilience. And we see the importance of being there in support of one another. We will gather as a diverse community from different places and with different stories but with a shared experience. Join us for an opportunity to make new friends and deepen connections with old ones.

The retreat is a facilitated, experiential weekend- engaging the mind, body and spirit in a beautiful setting surrounded by hills and greenery. We will grow from sharing our stories, music, reflection, walks in nature, writing, hugs, laughter, and probably a few tears. There will be time for relaxation as well, with a talent show, dance night, and a wonderful pool and hot tub too.

WHEN - Friday - Sunday, Oct 20-22, 2017 Arrive after 3pm on the first day. Dinner is at 6pm with program starting at 8pm sharp. R etreat finishes at 3pm on last day. Please plan to stay for the entire retreat.

WHERE? - Saratoga Springs Retreat Center 10243 Saratoga Springs Rd, Upper Lake, CA 95485 Map

Being Present - Because of the expected intensity of the experience and in honoring our desire to be fully present for one another, we ask participants to refrain from alcohol and drugs immediately before and during the event. Our experience is we have greater clarity, group cohesion and presence in a drug and alcohol free environment.

MORE INFO - This retreat will be facilitated by Gregg Cassin and friends. Gregg is an LGBT dad and a long-term survivor of HIV. He's been leading retreats and workshops for the LGBT/HIV, and at-risk youth communities for over 25 years. During the height of the epidemic Gregg founded the Healing Circle, and the San Francisco Center for Living, as well as leading conferences nationally with AIDS, Medicine and Miracles. Gregg is now a staff member of Shanti.

Questions re retreat? - gcassin@shanti.org

Donate Here: Can't come? Want to contribute something more? We invite you to donate $25, $50, $100 or any amount you can to help defray the costs of this retreat for LGBT refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers wanting to be there.

“Gregg Cassin is a truly masterful facilitator. He is not one of those slick or over-polished personalities. Rather, he is genuine, warm, and humble—with a wicked sense of humor that puts people at their ease. He makes people feel that he is “one of us.” He has that ability—so rare among professional facilitators—to speak from his heart, respond to the real needs of a group in the moment, and make it safe for others to speak honestly. Indeed, I have never seen anyone who can help a group “open” so effectively, making it instantly safe for them to explore even sensitive issues with both kindness and compassion.”-- Martin Boroson, Author, One-Moment Meditation: Stillness for People on the Go.

Pre-registration & Information

Saratoga Springs: 707-275-9503 | email